Research shows that females experience schizophrenia in various key ways. This includes age of onset, symptoms, and response to treatment.
Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects how a person behaves, thinks, and feels. The condition can make it difficult for a person to participate in typical daily activities.
The symptoms of schizophrenia tend to vary from person to person. However, they are generally split into categories that include psychotic, negative, and cognitive. People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations or delusions. They may also find it difficult to make and stick with plans, or to process information for making decisions.
Treatment options for schizophrenia are available and can improve the quality of life for those with the condition.
This article discusses schizophrenia in females. It explains the prevalence of the condition, how it affects females, and treatment options.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
It is difficult to determine a precise prevalence of schizophrenia. This is due to various factors, such as the overlap with other conditions and the complexity of diagnosis.
However, the
Schizophrenia appears to occur more often in males than in females. According to a
The age of onset for schizophrenia is one of the core differences between males and females.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that the average age of onset for schizophrenia is the late 20s to early 30s in females, and teens to early 20s in males. NAMI also notes that it is possible for the onset to occur in people younger than 12 or older than 40, but this is rare.
A 2022 review, however, notes that the prevalence of schizophrenia in females appears to increase in those over the age of 40. The authors of the review state that this could be due to the decrease in estrogen levels following menopause.
This same review also explains that there may be two incident peaks in females. The first peak is between the ages of 20 and 39, and the second occurs during the postmenopausal period.
Learn more about the age of onset for schizophrenia.
Symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person in general. However, there may also be differences between males and females.
Females may be more likely to experience affective symptoms,
- depression
- sexual misconduct
- sexual delusions
- impulsivity
- emotional instability
A 2021 review of research notes that females with schizophrenia may be more likely to attempt suicide, but less likely to complete the action. The reasoning for this is unclear. However, it may relate to the seemingly higher levels of depressive symptoms in females.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
While females may be more likely than males to experience certain symptoms, anyone with schizophrenia can experience any of the core symptoms,
- hallucinations
- delusions
- disorganized thoughts
- social withdrawal
- difficulty showing emotions
- difficulty with attention, concentration, and memory
For any gender, the diagnosis of schizophrenia can be difficult. The diagnostic criteria are the same for anybody displaying signs of the condition, however.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), a person must experience two or more of the following symptoms for a significant portion over a
- delusions
- hallucinations
- disorganized speech
- negative symptoms, such as loss of motivation, social withdrawal, and difficulty showing emotions
- disorganized or catatonic behavior (being awake but not responsive)
These symptoms must be disruptive to a person’s daily life, with signs of disturbance lasting at least 6 months, including 1 month of symptoms.
Read about undiagnosed schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia risk factors
The
- Genetics: People with family members with schizophrenia may be more likely to develop the condition themselves.
- Environment: Along with genetics, a person’s environment and life experiences can influence the development of schizophrenia. These include low socioeconomic status, living in stressful or dangerous surroundings, and exposure to viruses or nutritional issues before birth.
- Brain structure: People with schizophrenia may have different sizes of certain areas of the brain, as well as connections between areas. It is possible that some of these differences develop before birth.
Just because a person has one or more of these risk factors does not mean they will develop schizophrenia.
Female reproductive transitions and estrogen levels
According to research reviews from 2020 and
The researchers note that estrogen is considered to be protective against symptoms of psychosis. Estrogen also helps to maintain certain physiological responses that have links to schizophrenia. These include:
- stress response
- dopamine activity
- mitochondrial function
These are a few of the factors that may influence the development of schizophrenia as females age and their estrogen levels naturally drop.
According to a
The authors of the review note that current therapeutic strategies also focus on the symptoms that are more common in males than in females. They recommend that future recommendations take this into account.
Schizophrenia is more common in males. However, females may experience the condition differently.
They may be more likely to experience affective symptoms, such as depression, sexual delusions, and impulsivity. They may also be more likely to have a later onset of the condition than males. Females are more likely to experience an onset of symptoms over the age of 40. This may be due to the changes in estrogen levels during and after menopause.
Current schizophrenia treatment recommendations do not take gender into account. Some researchers believe that this is an important distinction to make and future recommendations should include gender differences.
With effective treatment, a person with schizophrenia can improve their day-to-day functioning and achieve personal life goals, such as education, career, and relationships.
Mental health resources
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