Types of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder which causes severe mental illness. The affected individual may have delusions, audio and visual hallucinations and bizarre behavior. People with schizophrenia find it very difficult to function normally in society, but many can do well with treatment. Several types of schizophrenia have been defined.

Paranoid Schizophrenia

• Paranoid schizophrenia is the most common type, characterized by delusions as well as auditory and sometimes visual hallucinations.

Disorganized Schizophrenia

• People with disorganized schizophrenia behave in very strange ways. They might curse continuously, laugh at inappropriate moments or talk incoherently. Often confused, they have problems remembering to take care of personal hygiene and other routine activities.

Catatonic Schizophrenia

• Catatonic schizophrenia is characterized by the patient being completely withdrawn and unresponsive. She may sit very rigidly and refuse to move, or she might perform purposeless behavior, like picking up an object and setting it back down repeatedly.

Residual Schizophrenia

• Residual schizophrenia is diagnosed when an episode of another type of schizophrenia dissipates. The person's symptoms are generally not as severe, but he shows little interest in life and typically will not converse or make eye contact.

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

• Schizophrenic patients who do not fit well into any of these categories are diagnosed with undifferentiated schizophrenia. They may have symptoms of various types of the disorder.