Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

When do schizophrenic episodes most frequently first occur?

1. Infancy

2. Preschool years

3. Latency

4. Adolescence

The correct answer is: Adolescence

Schizophrenic episodes most frequently first occur during adolescence, which is the correct choice here. This developmental period often marks the onset of various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, due to the significant biological, social, and psychological changes that individuals experience during this time. Neuroscientific research indicates that brain maturation and changes in neurochemistry occur during adolescence, potentially increasing vulnerability to developing psychotic symptoms. Additionally, the stressors associated with this life stage, such as identity formation and social pressures, can act as triggers for individuals who may be genetically predisposed to schizophrenia. The other developmental stages listed, such as infancy and preschool years, are not typical times for the onset of schizophrenia. While there are early signs of developmental abnormalities that can be observed in younger children, actual schizophrenic episodes are not commonly diagnosed until the teenage years. Latency, which generally refers to the stage between early childhood and the onset of puberty (around ages 6 to 12), similarly does not align with common onset patterns for schizophrenia.