Understanding The Different Types Of Schizophrenia

Only few people are aware that schizophrenia can actually take on many forms and have different types instead of being one generic mental disorder. The ability to identify each type and learning their unique characteristics is vital in finding an effective form of intervention to see improvement. 

There are currently 5 general types of schizophrenia known with each one having distinct set of characteristics. You can learn more about each type of schizophrenia below.

Disorganized Schizophrenia 

This is a very specific and distinctive type of schizophrenia. The reason for the name is based on the symptoms manifested by this condition, wherein a patient often manifests disorganized speech or behavior as its most common symptoms. The speech or behavior of an individual suffering from disorganized schizophrenia could appear flat or totally inappropriate for a given situation. It can be reflected in the way they verbally express their thoughts, manner of dressing, among other bizarre behaviors. 

You can easily distinguish an individual who is suffering from disorganized schizophrenia since they tend to dress quite unusual, perform peculiar gestures, or make awkward communication. 

Paranoid Schizophrenia 

Patients of paranoid schizophrenia predominantly suffer from hallucinations and delusions as the leading symptom. Despite of the manifestation of the said symptoms, an individual suffering from paranoid schizophrenia retains their cognitive and effective function. However, you can easily distinguish this patient for their exhibition of personal grandeur and often reveal themselves when exhibiting their argumentativeness. 

Catatonic Schizophrenia 

This is one of the most common types of schizophrenia known to humans. As the name implies, patients of this condition exhibit symptoms similar to those suffering from catatonia wherein these behaviors are often extreme in nature. Patients suffering from catatonic schizophrenia exhibit waxy flexibility or catalepsy wherein they hold a particular position for a long period of time, while others tend to have their posture rearranged. 

There is also the tendency for a catatonic schizophrenia patient to imitate action of others, whether through movement (known as echopraxia) or sounds (echolalia). Patients could also manifest a condition known as catatonic excitement wherein they burst in an active state, whether physically or emotionally, albeit those actions being purposeless. 

As of late though, the statistics of individuals suffering from catatonic schizophrenia has gotten quite rare. It originated from a time wherein advanced treatment methods were still unavailable. 

Residual Schizophrenia 

This type of schizophrenia develops after a previous diagnosis of this mental disorder only that the prominent symptoms are no longer evident. However, this is not to say that all of the symptoms are completely gone since various symptoms such as social withdrawal, emotional blunting, eccentric behavior, or illogical thinking tend to manifest from time to time. 

For this type, a patient might suffer from at least one episode of schizophrenic behavior although common symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions are not as prominent. 

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia 

Here is another subtype of schizophrenia that is used to categorize all other symptoms or types of schizophrenia that do not fall under any of the above categories. The patient of undifferentiated schizophrenia may have pronounced psychotic symptoms that cannot be fitted into one specific category. 
