Types of Schizoprenia

In 1911, Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Blueler coined the word "schizophrenia" to explain the disjointed thought process of individuals afflicted with the disease. There are several different forms of schizophrenia; all are grave in their conditions.

Definition

• Schizophrenia is an extreme and debilitating brain disorder that affects one percent of Americans. Although schizophrenia can afflict an individual at any stage, it tends to appear in adolescence or early adulthood.

Classification

• German physician Emil Kraepelin was one of the first to categorize mental disorders such as schizophrenia into varying categories. At the time, Kraepelin used the phrase "dementia praecox" to describe those who exhibited schizophrenic symptoms. Today, the classifications for mental disorders are still being updated with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) being the most recent classification system in the United States.

Paranoid and Disorganized Schizophrenia

• Paranoid schizophrenia is the most frequently diagnosed type of schizophrenia. It is marked by delusions of conspiracy or prosecution. Victims of this disease constantly have scary thoughts and auditory hallucinations of others threatening them. Consequently, they live in fear or start arguments with others who they believe are out to harm them. This fear drives them to attack other people or objects in delusional self-defense.

  Although disorganized schizophrenia is the most infrequent form of schizophrenia, it is the most dangerous. The disease spawns unpredictable behavior in its victims, which stem from a disarrayed thinking process. Delusions and hallucinations are not very significant in this type of schizophrenia; however, normal functionality can become gravely affected. The victim's ability to perform simple tasks such as bathing may be impaired. She may also exhibit peculiar behavior, such as acting giddy and laughing at inappropriate times (e.g., at a funeral).

Catatonic, Undifferentiated and Residual Schizophrenia

• Catatonic schizophrenia is an uncommon condition. Symptoms can range from hyperactivity (catatonic excitement) to hardly any display of activity (catatonic stupor). When in catatonic excitement, the victim may intensely perform tasks that have no meaning, possibly injuring himself and others in the process. During a catatonic stupor, he may sit or stand immobile for lengthy periods of time.

  Undifferentiated schizophrenia is diagnosed only when the schizophrenic does not exhibit any of the symptoms seen in other types of schizophrenia. Her symptoms may shift back and forth, or they can be extremely consistent, creating hesitation in where to categorize it.

  A patient undergoing residual schizophrenia will have lesser symptoms than other types of schizophrenia. Typical symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may still appear, however they are more subdued. During a remission, the individual will return to his normal healthful state. If he has residual schizophrenia, he may display schizophrenic symptoms during his remission.

Treatment

• If medication is used to treat the schizophrenic, he must mention any side effects he experiences to his physician so the proper medication can be administered. Through learning all they can about schizophrenia, the victim and her family can learn how to lower conflict; they should also learn about the community resources available to them. Individual, group or family therapy, helps with goal setting and handling daily stresses that comes with living with the disease. Individuals suffering from acute schizophrenia may need to be hospitalized so they can receive close monitoring in a controlled and therapeutic environment.