False
The statement is false: the typical onset of schizophrenia in females occurs later than stated, with peak onset between ages 15-30 years (not 25-35), and females actually experience onset approximately 3-5 years later than males. 1, 2
Age of Onset in Females
The evidence clearly demonstrates that:
- Peak onset in females occurs between ages 15-30 years, with a characteristic bimodal distribution showing a first peak during this period and a second, flatter peak around menopausal age (44-49 years) 3
- The age range of 25-35 years cited in the question represents only the upper portion of the primary peak period, missing the earlier onset years 4
- Approximately 75% of all schizophrenia cases (both genders) have onset between ages 15-30 years, which represents the period of steepest social development 2
Gender Differences in Onset Timing
The literature consistently shows important sex differences:
- Females experience onset 3-5 years later than males on average, due to the protective effect of estrogen on dopamine receptors 1, 2, 5
- Males show a single steep peak at ages 15-25 years, while females demonstrate the characteristic bimodal pattern with delayed onset 3
- The male predominance in early-onset schizophrenia (before age 18) reflects this cross-sectional effect of earlier male onset 1
Clinical Implications of the Bimodal Distribution
The second peak in females around menopause is clinically significant:
- This late-onset peak (ages 44-49 years) occurs as estrogen's protective effect fades 3
- This bimodal pattern is unique to females and does not occur in males 3
- The 25-35 age range falls between these two peaks and does not represent the primary onset period 4, 3
Common Pitfall
Do not assume schizophrenia onset follows a single age pattern across genders—the protective hormonal effects in females create distinct epidemiological patterns that affect both timing and clinical presentation, with premenopausal women showing lower incidence rates that equalize after menopause 3, 5.