Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test 2025 - Free CEN Practice Questions and Study Guide

A key characteristic of schizophrenia is its chronic course, which typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. This long-term mental health condition affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Often, individuals may experience a range of symptoms that includes hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impairment in personal, social, or occupational functioning. The adolescent onset is particularly noteworthy because it often coincides with significant developmental changes and can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

The chronic nature of schizophrenia also distinguishes it from other mental health disorders, which may involve episodic or short-lived symptoms. In this case, knowing that schizophrenia often manifests during formative years helps healthcare professionals provide early interventions aimed at improving the quality of life and functional outcome for affected individuals.