Final answer:
The onset of schizophrenia is most commonly associated with late adolescence or early adulthood. It is a complex mental disorder requiring lifelong treatment. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors together contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The onset of schizophrenia is typically associated with early adolescence or d. adulthood. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects about 1% of the population in the United States. Symptoms may include problems distinguishing reality from imagination, incorrect emotional responses, and issues with social situations. Hallucinations, delusions, and negative symptoms such as emotional flatness and loss of pleasure are also common. The development of schizophrenia is believed to be tied to malfunctions in dopaminergic neurons and disturbances in glutamate signaling. It often requires lifelong treatment with antipsychotic medications that block dopamine receptors to control symptoms. Findings indicate that genetic vulnerability coupled with environmental stressors like disrupted family environments may significantly increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.