Schizophrenia is a complicated and life-threatening psychotic disease that interferes with one’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors. These are manifested in a variety of symptoms, which may fall under various classifications. Knowing about different types of schizophrenia is important since that would lead to correct diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and good care.
Prominent paranoid delusions and hallucinations characterize paranoid schizophrenia. This form of schizophrenia is characterized by paranoia which involves people assuming that someone is trying to hurt them in some form. When such delusion starts, a person may tend to withdraw socially, trying to shield themselves from perceived dangers. Hallucinations, particularly auditory ones, may contribute to the individual’s paranoid beliefs.
Individuals with disorganized schizophrenia are characterized by disorganized speaking and thought, as well as dysfunctional affect. This is one of the types that involve individuals who find it hard to organize their thought process or articulate in a proper way. Others might not understand their speech which could be incoherent or nonsensical. Moreover, they can respond emotionally to a situation inappropriately or not at all. Daily activities and personal hygiene may also be neglected in individuals with disorganized schizophrenia.
Catatonic schizophrenia involves a range of motor disturbances, affecting a person’s movement and behavior. Individuals with catatonia may exhibit extreme physical immobility or excessive, purposeless movement. They may also display odd postures or gestures. Catatonia is very serious as it can result in unresponsive or un-reacting patient to his surroundings. The symptom may be catatonic, which will affect the functioning of such a person and should get to seek medical help.
Undifferentiated schizophrenia is a category used when a person’s symptoms do not clearly fit into one of the specific subtypes mentioned above. Individuals with undifferentiated schizophrenia may exhibit a mix of symptoms from different types, making it challenging to classify their condition into a distinct category. This subtype highlights the heterogeneity of schizophrenia, acknowledging that the presentation of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
It involves having symptoms that are not as serious as those seen during acute schizophrenia, where symptoms can result in disability or hospitalization. Residual schizophrenia may occur where individuals only present with milder delusions, hallucinations as well as disorganized thinking although at reduced severity and occurrence, in contrast with the acute phase. When compared with schizophrenia, this particular subtype indicates the persistence of the condition even if symptoms are minimal.
Schizoaffective disorder, although not a subtype of schizophrenia itself, is a disease characterized by schizophrenia and its concomitant mood disorders (depression and/or bipolarity). Schizoaffective disorder manifests itself in episodes of psychosis accompanied by severe mood swings. This diagnosis reflects the overlap between schizophrenia and mood disorders, requiring a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both aspects of the condition.
However, it happens that the schizophrenia may be inherited from parents where the affected person is still a child or teenager. Hallucination and other symptoms of childhood onset schizophrenia as those described by adlent et al in adult onset schizophrenia are similar. The symptoms of schizophenia in a child should be handled by a specialist because they contribute on impairing his/her social, scholastic, and familial function.
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that manifests in many forms, and people can have a mixture of symptoms coming from different types. These different typologies and subtypes are acknowledged within DSM-5 that is a guideline for making diagnoses as well as creating a framework for treatment plans. Tulasi Health Care provides accurate diagnosis and planning of treatment of various subtypes of schizophrenia.
However, it is significant to mention that schizophrenia is a persistent disorder that demands constant guidance. Some treatment options could be antipsychotic medicines coupled with psychotherapy along with support offered by mental health persons, family members and communities’ resources. Specific symptoms and their intensity may differ from person to person hence demand customized and holistic medical attention.
Schizophrenia could be better managed if early interventions were combined with correct diagnoses and comprehensive treatments. If you or your family member is suffering from schizophrenia call us on 8800000255 for treatment at Tulasi Healthcare.
Leave a comment