Different Types Of Schizophrenia |
Like many mental illnesses, schizophrenia is complex. It can in fact be categorized into different types of schizophrenia, in particular 5 different subtypes as follows –
1. Paranoid schizophrenia
Of the different types of schizophrenia, paranoid schizophrenia is among the better “known”. Patients with this disorder tend to experience delusions and hallucinations.
The delusions usually take the form of the unfounded belief that he or she is famous or important or knows someone who is famous and important. This personae could be someone famous from history or that of a completely different person eg an office worker who believes he is a secret agent.
Another form of delusion is when the patient believes, again without reason, he or she is being threatened or persecuted by another person or persons, resulting in extreme suspicious behavior on his or her part.
Hallucinations are usually in the form of hearing, seeing, smelling or feeling something or someone who is not actually there.
2. Catatonic schizophrenia
Usually marked by extreme activity or inactivity on the part of the patient with no regard or relation to what is happening in his or her surroundings, or the people in the immediate vicinity.
Some sufferers will remain completely immobile sometimes for hours. Others will move or pace incessantly and without reason. The movements will not only be senseless but will tend to be repeated again and again.
Yet others will manifest their symptoms by imitating or mimicking the sounds or movements of others around them.
3. Disorganized behavior
Characterized by disorganized or disturbing behavior, speech and thoughts. Sufferers may have difficulty doing simple tasks or listening to instructions. Can also manifest as disjointed speech with no flow or logical sequence or reasoning, or even rambling and babbling.
In some cases, patients can be observed showing unusual eccentric behavior or a strange choice of clothes.
4. Residual type
A recognized schizophrenia form characterized by an earlier diagnosis for schizophrenia but without any prominent symptoms. The residual manifestations may be in the form of eccentric actions or speech, lack of emotional expression, or a general lack of desire to socialize or interact with others.
5. Undifferentiated type
Patients who fall into this category clearly suffer from schizophrenia but their symptoms may not fit into any of the earlier classifications, or may fit a few categories instead of just one.
Although medical professionals are able to categorize the disorder into different types of schizophrenia, overall, schizophrenia is not curable. However, proper treatment and medication can and will help the victim lead a fairly normal life.
Important Fact #1: Possible Signs Of Schizophrenia
Look out for any of the following signs of schizophrenia -- paranoia, delusions, inactivity or hyperactivity, unusual/strange or lack of emotional responses, over or under sensitivity, self-imposed social isolation, hostility, lack of interest in proper personal hygiene and extreme depression. |
Important Fact #2: Mention Of Suicide
Patients with schizophrenia are more likely to try taking their lives. At all times, take any mention of suicide by them seriously and seek medical assistance. |
Important Fact #3: Curing Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia cannot be completely cured. However medical experts will tell you that 90% of people with the disorder can look forward to recovering to a degree that will enable them to function and lead happy lives. |
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