A 44 year old man presents with fears that his mathematical abilities have been slowly sucked out of his brain for the last four years. He believes an "alien force disguised as a human being" is responsible. To avoid contact with this being, he has isolated himself in a room in a boarding house. He has left his wife and children. After ten years teaching math at a local high, he resigned about 3 years ago. He suppos himself by 'collecting cans." His effect is blunted. His appearance is disheveled,unshaven and unwashed.Which of the following is least suggestive of a schizophrenic disorder in this man?
Delusional system
Four-year history of symptoms
Age of onset
Decrease in level of functioning
Schizophrenia usually develops in young adulthood.The mean age of the first psychotic break is in the early twenties for men. Of men with schizophrenia, 9 of 10 have developed the disorder by age 30.Women tend to develop the disorder at an older age. Developing the disorder at age 40 is unusual. Ref: Nurnberger, Jr. J.I. (2008). Chapter 3. Psychiatric Genetics. In M.H. Ebe, P.T. Loosen, B. Nurcombe, J.F. Leckman (Eds), CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry, 2e.