Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDiagnosisSymptomsOnsetCauses and Risk FactorsTreatmentComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Onset
Causes and Risk Factors
Treatment
Complications
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Worldwide, schizophrenia affects 1% of the population, and it is a lifelong disorder that can lead to severe impairments in functioning.Disorganized schizophrenia, also referred to as hebephrenic schizophrenia or hebephrenia (based on the Greek term for adolescence), was a subtype of schizophrenia previously recognized in the fourth edition of theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV).
The DSM-IV included five subtypes of schizophrenia, including disorganized, paranoid, catatonic, undifferentiated, andresidual. Thesubtypes were removedfrom the current version of the DSM(DSM-5, released in 2013), as it was determined that they were not helpful when treating the disorder.
Despite the change, disorganized symptoms remain one criterion for diagnosing schizophrenia. Some individuals may show more of these types of symptoms than other symptoms of the disorder. In the most general sense, disorganized schizophrenia refers to the disorganization of thought processes, behavior, and affect regulation (emotions).
Diagnosing schizophreniainvolves a comprehensive set of medical examinations to rule out other possible causes or contributions to the person’s symptoms, including a physical exam, blood count, thyroid assessment, drug and alcohol use assessment, and possibly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans to rule out brain lesions or other abnormalities.
In addition, a psychiatric evaluation will be conducted to determine the thoughts, feelings, behavior patterns, family history, and other history of a patient presenting with symptoms that suggest schizophrenia.
Diagnosis is made according to the DSM-5 criteria. A person must present with two or more of the following (and at least one of them must be from the first three on the list) for a significant portion of the time over a 1-month period:
In addition, the person must show impairment in life functioning, and continuous signs of the disturbance for a period of at least 6 months.
Disorganized Symptoms
What are the disorganized symptoms in schizophrenia? Simply put, they fall into the third and fourth categories of symptoms listed in the DSM-5 for diagnosing the disorder. A person who is experiencing disorganized schizophrenia symptoms may show any of the following:
These disorganized symptoms of schizophrenia cover a range of issues related to thoughts, speech, behavior, and emotion. Unfortunately, these symptoms interfere with the ability to function, both in terms of activities of daily living and communication with others.
Onset of Disorganized Symptoms
The peak age of onset of schizophrenia is in the early to mid-20s for men and late 20s for women. Schizophrenia is most commonly diagnosed from late adolescence to early adulthood.
Because the onset of disorganized symptoms is often gradual and may be attributed to other problems experienced during this time of life, such as trying to adjust to adulthood, the signs of disorganization due to schizophrenia are not always easy to spot. Unfortunately, the prognosis is worse when schizophrenia begins earlier and also when treatment begins later.
We don’t know precisely what causes schizophrenia. However, it is believed to result from a combination of biological and environmental factors and impacts on brain cells and different neurotransmitter systems.The following risk factors have been implicated in the development of the disorder:
Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a person will necessarily develop schizophrenia. However, showing symptoms of the disorder along with one or more of these risk factors could be a sign that medical attention is warranted. A doctor can assess the criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Risk Factors for Schizophrenia
Treatment for Disorganized Symptoms
Much like other mental health disorders, the primary treatments for schizophrenia are medication and psychotherapy. Earlier diagnosis and treatment mean better outcomes, particularly in the case of disorganized symptoms, because these can have a significant impact on education, finding a job, and living independently.
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Medication
Medications for schizophrenia include antipsychotic drugs. In severe cases, a person diagnosed with schizophrenia may need to be hospitalized for stabilization or safety.
Medications for the disorder will help to reduce disordered thinking and improve functioning. Some people may also be prescribed antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety medication alongside antipsychotics for symptoms of schizophrenia.
Therapy
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Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECTinvolves sending an electric current through the brain to provoke a seizure and neurochemical release and may be helpful in those who are also experiencing a risk ofsuicide, severe depression, or refractory symptoms.
Skills Training
Skills training might be used to help people with disorganized schizophrenia find a job, further their education, or learn how to better communicate with others despite their symptoms.
Family Support
While not a treatment per se, support from family plays a large role in how well those with schizophrenia will fare. Family members need to learn about and understand the disorder, as well as learn how best to support their loved one.
As with other mental health conditions, there are numerous complications of living with disorganized schizophrenia. These might include:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Unfortunately, many people with this disorder feel that they don’t need medications or can stop taking their medication once their symptoms start to resolve.
If you are a person living with schizophrenia, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor regardless of how well you may be feeling. If you are a family member of someone with schizophrenia, be sure to check on them often. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disorder that could return if medication is stopped.
Disorganized schizophrenia is a lifelong ailment that requires ongoing treatment, and symptoms will return without medication.
A Word From Verywell
Disorganized schizophrenia involves impairment in daily activities and communication with others. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be living with the symptoms of this disorder, it is important to see a doctor for an assessment and diagnosis.
Early detection and treatment mean a better prognosis, particularly when a person is living with disorganized thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Proper treatment in the form of medication and/or therapy is necessary; without treatment from a professional, it is unlikely that the symptoms will go away on their own.
What It’s Like to Have Schizophrenia
3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America.About schizophrenia.Debost JPG, Larsen JT, Munk-Olsen T, Mortensen PB, Meyer U, Petersen L.Joint effects of exposure to prenatal infection and peripubertal psychological trauma in schizophrenia.Schizophr Bull.2017;43(1):171-179. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbw083Higashi K, Medic G, Littlewood KJ, Diez T, Granström O, De Hert M.Medication adherence in schizophrenia: Factors influencing adherence and consequences of nonadherence, a systematic literature review.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol.2013;3(4):200-18. doi:10.1177/2045125312474019Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC. 2013.National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia. Updated February 2016.
3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America.About schizophrenia.Debost JPG, Larsen JT, Munk-Olsen T, Mortensen PB, Meyer U, Petersen L.Joint effects of exposure to prenatal infection and peripubertal psychological trauma in schizophrenia.Schizophr Bull.2017;43(1):171-179. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbw083Higashi K, Medic G, Littlewood KJ, Diez T, Granström O, De Hert M.Medication adherence in schizophrenia: Factors influencing adherence and consequences of nonadherence, a systematic literature review.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol.2013;3(4):200-18. doi:10.1177/2045125312474019Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC. 2013.National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia. Updated February 2016.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America.About schizophrenia.Debost JPG, Larsen JT, Munk-Olsen T, Mortensen PB, Meyer U, Petersen L.Joint effects of exposure to prenatal infection and peripubertal psychological trauma in schizophrenia.Schizophr Bull.2017;43(1):171-179. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbw083Higashi K, Medic G, Littlewood KJ, Diez T, Granström O, De Hert M.Medication adherence in schizophrenia: Factors influencing adherence and consequences of nonadherence, a systematic literature review.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol.2013;3(4):200-18. doi:10.1177/2045125312474019
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America.About schizophrenia.
Debost JPG, Larsen JT, Munk-Olsen T, Mortensen PB, Meyer U, Petersen L.Joint effects of exposure to prenatal infection and peripubertal psychological trauma in schizophrenia.Schizophr Bull.2017;43(1):171-179. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbw083
Higashi K, Medic G, Littlewood KJ, Diez T, Granström O, De Hert M.Medication adherence in schizophrenia: Factors influencing adherence and consequences of nonadherence, a systematic literature review.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol.2013;3(4):200-18. doi:10.1177/2045125312474019
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC. 2013.National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia. Updated February 2016.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC. 2013.
National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia. Updated February 2016.
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