At what age can schizophrenia be diagnosed?

The average age of early-onset schizophrenia psychosis is between eight and 12 years, explains Oxford University Press. However, schizophrenia may be difficult to diagnose at such an early age as the disease most commonly develops in people between the ages of 18 and 30.

It is uncommon for anyone under the age of 18 to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, notes Mayo Clinic. Although an exact cause for the disease is not known as of September 2015, some risk factors have been established including family history, exposure to toxins and malnutrition while in the womb and the usage of mind-altering substances during the adolescent stages of formative neural development.