Schizophrenia - disorganized type

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Hebephrenic schizophrenia; Disorganized schizophrenia

Delusions (false, fixed beliefs) and hallucinations (sensory perceptions without a source) are common in disorganized schizophrenia. Emotional responses of people with this condition are often bizarre and inappropriate. Lack of emotion and motivation, as well as the inability to feel pleasure, may occur with this condition.

Some of these symptoms are also seen in other types of schizophrenia. The characteristic distinction is erratic behavior, with ungrammatical or random-ordered speech.

Patients with disorganized schizophrenia are usually active but in an aimless, nonconstructive manner. Inappropriate grinning and grimacing are common. Behavior is sometimes described as silly or fatuous.

Diagnosis is made from psychiatric evaluation, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Other causes of these symptoms must be ruled out.

Review Date: 05/08/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.