Schizophrenia can be a disabling condition. There are treatment options, and many people are able to get medication that changes their life and helps them manage their symptoms. But it’s also a very serious condition that can change someone’s ability to work, which may mean that they need to seek SSDI benefits.
One important thing to know about schizophrenia is that it is a condition that develops with age. Medical experts note that it is “extremely rare” for schizophrenia symptoms to show up before someone turns 13. Even if it starts before age 18, then it is considered “early onset schizophrenia.” In other words, most people will live completely normal lives without exhibiting any symptoms throughout adolescence.
The late 20s
As a general rule, symptoms start to show up when a person reaches their late 20s. They may start showing symptoms into their mid-30s. Even if they didn’t have any indicators before, schizophrenia typically manifests between 25 and 35 years old. There are certainly outlier cases on both sides of this general range, but it’s still important to know when the symptoms could begin to appear and what to look for.
Additionally, this helps to underscore the need for SSDI benefits. People in this age bracket have likely already obtained an education and started their career. They have many debts and financial responsibilities, and many of them have families. As schizophrenia symptoms start to show up, they may need disability benefits while they seek treatment options that keep them from working in their chosen career.
If you find yourself or a loved one in this position, it’s very important to know what legal options you have, and it can help to work with an experienced law firm when it comes to seeking Social Security Disability benefits accordingly.