Hamilton woman shares her experience with schizophrenia as psychotic disorders are being diagnosed at younger ages

Samantha Mercanti of Hamilton speaks openly about living with schizophrenia and credits early treatment and supports with her recovery; a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that diagnoses of psychotic disorders have increased across recent birth cohorts and are occurring at earlier ages.

Samantha Mercanti, a businesswoman in Hamilton, speaks publicly about living with schizophrenia and sometimes discloses it early in personal relationships. She first experienced psychosis around age 20, sought help, and later completed multiple degrees and built a career while remaining on treatment. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that people born in the 1980s and later are being diagnosed with psychotic disorders more often and at younger ages than earlier generations. Researchers involved in the study said the increase is larger than expected and likely reflects multiple factors rather than a single cause. Key findings: - The study reported that the total number diagnosed with a psychotic disorder by age 30 rose by about 37.5% for those born 1990–1994 compared with people born 1975–1979. - Individuals born 2000–2004 were estimated to have roughly a 70% greater rate of new diagnoses than the 1970s reference period. - Authors noted that improved detection and early-intervention services likely explain part of the rise, but the scale suggests additional social and environmental contributors. - The article identifies possible contributing factors cited by researchers, including later parental age, socioeconomic stress, adverse childhood experiences, substance use, and factors linked to urban living. Summary: The reported rise in psychotic disorder diagnoses across recent birth cohorts highlights changing patterns that researchers say may involve detection improvements alongside social and environmental shifts. Undetermined at this time.