An Overview of Disorganized Schizophrenia

An Overview of Disorganized Schizophrenia February 03, 2020 Schizophrenia Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Verywell / Evan Polenghi In This Article Table of Contents Expand Diagnosis Symptoms Onset Causes and Risk Factors Treatment Complications Overall, the lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia is 0.3 to 0.7 percent, and it is a lifelong disorder that can lead to severe impairments in functioning. Disorganized schizophrenia, also referred to as hebephrenic schizophrenia, based on the Greek term for adolescence, was a subtype of schizophrenia previously recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). In the current version of the DSM (DSM-5, released in 2013), there are no longer subtypes of schizophrenia (previously there was the disorganized type, as well as paranoid, catatonic, undifferentiated, and residual types), as it was determined that these were not helpful to clinicians when treating the disorder. However, disorganized symptoms remain one criterion for diagnosing schizophrenia, and some individuals may show more of these types of symptoms than other symptoms of the disorder. In the most general sense, disorganized schizophrenia refers to disorganization of thought processes, behavior, and affect regulation (emotions). Diagnosis Diagnosis of schizophrenia involves a comprehensive set of examinations to rule out other causes of symptoms, including a physical exam, blood count, thyroid assessment, drug and alcohol use assessment, and possibly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans for brain lesions or other abnormalities. In addition, a psychological evaluation will be conducted to determine the thoughts, feelings, behavior patterns, family history, and medical history of a patient presenting with symptoms that suggest schizophrenia. Diagnosis is made according to the DSM-5 criteria, which are as follows: A person must present with two or more of the following (at least one of them must be from the first three on the list) for a significant portion of the time over a 1-month period: DelusionsHallucinationsDisorganized speechGrossly disorganized or catatonic behaviorNegative symptoms In addition, the person must show impairment in life functioning, and continuous signs of the disturbance for a period of at least 6 months. Disorganized Symptoms What are the disorganized symptoms in schizophrenia? Simply put, they fall into the third and fourth categories of symptoms listed in the DSM-5 for diagnosing the disorder. A person who is experiencing disorganized schizophrenia may show any of the following symptoms: Problems with routine tasks like dressing, bathing, brushing teethShowing emotions that are not appropriate to the situationBlunted or flat affectImpaired communication ability, including speechProblems with the use and ordering of wordsAn inability to think clearly and respond appropriatelyUse of nonsense words/making up words (neologism)Shifting quickly from one thought to the next without logical connectionsWriting a lot without any meaningForgetting or losing thingsPacing or walking in circlesHaving problems understanding everyday thingsResponding to questions with unrelated answersRepeating the same things over and over againProblems with attaining goals or completing tasksLack of impulse controlFailure to make eye contactChildlike behaviorsSocial withdrawal It is easy to see that the disorganized symptoms of schizophrenia cover a range of issues related to thoughts, speech, behavior, and emotion. Unfortunately, these symptoms interfere with the ability to function both in terms of activities of daily living and communication with others. Onset The peak age of onset of schizophrenia is in the early to mid-20s for men and late 20s for women. Schizophrenia is most commonly diagnosed from adolescence to early adulthood. Because the onset of disorganized symptoms is often gradual and may be attributed to other problems experienced during this time of life, such as trying to adjust to adulthood, the signs of disorganization due to schizophrenia are not always easy to spot. Unfortunately, the prognosis is worse both when schizophrenia begins earlier, and also when treatment is begun later. Causes and Risk Factors We dont know precisely what causes schizophrenia; however, it is believed to result from a combination of biological and environmental factors related to faulty signaling between brain cells and different neurotransmitter systems. In addition, each of the following risk factors has been implicated in the development of the disorder: A family history of schizophreniaA viral infection as a fetus during pregnancy (e.g., influenza, herpes, toxoplasmosis, rubella)Malnutrition as a fetus during pregnancyExperiencing severe stress during your early lifeBeing born to older parentsUsing recreational drugs during adolescence (though this could also be a result of having schizophrenia) Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will necessarily develop schizophrenia. However, showing symptoms of the disorder along with one or more of these risk factors could be a sign that you should be assessed by your doctor to determine whether you meet criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Risk Factors for Schizophrenia Treatment Much like other mental health disorders, the primary treatments for schizophrenia are medication and psychotherapy. As mentioned earlier, earlier diagnosis and treatment mean better outcomes, particularly in the case of disorganized symptoms, because these can have a significant impact on things such as completing education, finding a job, and living independently. Schizophrenia Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Medication Medications for schizophrenia include antipsychotic drugs. In severe cases, a person diagnosed with schizophrenia may need to be hospitalized for stabilization or safety. Medications for the disorder will help to reduce disordered thinking and improve functioning. Some people may also be prescribed antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety medication alongside antipsychotics for symptoms of schizophrenia. Therapy Talk therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used in schizophrenia to target specific life problems and to help you develop coping strategies to deal with those problems. Learning to regulate emotions by examining thought processes is one helpful strategy that can be developed through CBT. Find Support With the 9 Best Online Therapy Programs Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) ECT involves sending an electric current through the brain to provoke a neurochemical release, and may be helpful in those who are also experiencing a risk of suicide or severe depression. Skills Training Skills training for people with disorganized schizophrenia might be used to help you find a job, further your education, or learn how to better communicate with others despite your symptoms. Family Support While not a treatment per se, support from family plays a large role in how well those with schizophrenia will fare. Your family needs to learn about and understand the disorder, as well as learn how best to support you. Complications As with other mental health conditions, there are numerous complications of living with disorganized schizophrenia. Below is a list of just some of the issues that can come with having a diagnosis of this disorder: DepressionRisk of suicideMalnutritionPoor personal hygieneSubstance use to self-medicateUnemploymentPovertyHomelessnessFamily conflictLower educational attainmentInvolvement in crime (potentially as either victim, perpetrator, or both)Poor living conditions (e.g., the inability to keep up with housework)Poor medication compliance Unfortunately, many people with this disorder feel that they dont need medications or can stop taking their medication once their symptoms start to resolve. Disorganized schizophrenia is a lifelong ailment that requires ongoing treatment, and it will return without medication. If you are a person living with schizophrenia, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor regardless of how well you may be feeling. In addition, if you are a family member of someone with schizophrenia, be sure to check on them often and become aware of the signs and symptoms of the disorder that could return if medication is stopped. A Word From Verywell Disorganized schizophrenia involves impairment in daily activities and communication with others. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be living with the symptoms of this disorder, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor for an assessment and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment mean a better prognosis, particularly when a person is living with disorganized thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Proper treatment in the form of medication and/or therapy is necessary; without treatment from a professional, it is unlikely that the symptoms that are being experienced will go away on their own. What Its Like to Have Schizophrenia