Changes in personal hygiene habits and posture, and a sudden sensitivity to light and sound are a few early signs of schizophrenia.

The early signs of schizophrenia may vary widely from person to person. Some people show no signs prior to psychosis onset, while others exhibit subtle changes several years before symptoms of psychosis appear.

Early signs may also differ based on the age of onset. A person who develops schizophrenia in early adulthood may have a different experience than someone who develops the disorder in childhood.

The prodromal stage refers to subtle changes in mood, thinking, or behavior that may occur weeks, months, or even years before the full onset of schizophrenia. Not everyone goes through a prodromal stage, but those who do may experience occasional and subtle symptoms.

A 2024 review of 73 studies found that out of 13,774 people with schizophrenia, about 78.3% had had a prodromal stage.

Schizophrenia prodrome may include changes in:

  • perception
  • attention
  • speech
  • movement

Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is a rare and not widely understood condition. Research suggests COS occurs in about 0.4% of children and teens ages 5-18. It’s particularly rare among children under age 6.

Compared to people with adult-onset schizophrenia, children and teens who develop symptoms tend to have more progressive brain changes and genetic risk factors.

An older study from 2014 suggests that 67% of children with schizophrenia experience some degree of social, motor (movement), or language disturbances. Learning disabilities and mood disorders are also likely.

The same study notes that 27% of children with COS meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder before the first symptoms of psychosis. The link is not found in children who eventually develop adult-onset schizophrenia, though.

Children with COS have many of the same symptoms as adults with the condition. But children are more likely to have auditory hallucinations (hear voices) and less likely to have delusions (false but firm beliefs) until they’re teens or adults.

When a person develops schizophrenia before the age of 18, it’s called early-onset schizophrenia (EOS).

Early symptoms of schizophrenia during adolescence may start suddenly or occur slowly over time and include:

  • extreme, persistent but unexplained fear of certain situations or objects
  • changes in posture
  • slow walking
  • extreme sensitivity to lights and sounds
  • auditory hallucinations (particularly hearing whispering, collective murmuring, or loud sounds)
  • shutting out others and surroundings
  • sudden shyness
  • visual hallucinations (like swirling or flashing lights or patches of darkness)
  • difficulty distinguishing dreams from reality
  • paranoia
  • extreme changes in mood
  • decreased or flat emotional expression while talking
  • high levels of anxiety
  • difficulty making and keeping friends
  • unusual behavior or feelings
  • sudden agitation or confusion

Teens with EOS typically aren’t aware that their symptoms are a cause for concern. It’s usually family and friends who recognize that something has changed.

Most people who develop schizophrenia will do so as young adults, between their late teens and early 30s. Symptoms are generally the same as those seen in teens.

Some potential early symptoms of schizophrenia include:

  • changes in personal hygiene and self-care (especially neglect)
  • disorganized thoughts or jumbled speech
  • social responses or behaviors that don’t seem appropriate for the situation
  • vacant facial expressions (flat affect)
  • social withdrawal or self-isolation
  • sudden extreme sensitivity to light and noise

When symptoms of psychosis start after age 45, it’s called late-onset schizophrenia. After age 60-65, it’s known as very late-onset schizophrenia.

Late-onset schizophrenia may involve symptoms like:

  • severe paranoid delusions (the belief that everyone is out to “get you”)
  • severe visual, tactile (touch), and olfactory (smell) hallucinations
  • disorganized speech and thought process

If schizophrenia-like psychosis begins after age 65, it’s often related to another condition, like dementia or other neurodegenerative disorders.

While schizophrenia can occur at any age, the average age of onset is in the late teens to early 20s for males, and late 20s to early 30s for females.

It’s possible but more uncommon for schizophrenia to develop in a person younger than 12 or older than 40.

If you or a loved one has schizophrenia symptoms, working with a mental health professional is essential. Schizophrenia requires ongoing professional support, but responds well to these interventions.

A treatment plan typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and supportive care.

Schizophrenia may develop in people of all ages, and the early signs of the disorder vary greatly from person to person. Some early signs may include changes in personal hygiene habits, confusion, anxiety, sensitivity to light and noise, and changes in the way you move or talk.

Schizophrenia is a treatable condition. With medication, therapy, and support, symptom relief is possible as well as a fulfilling life.