Subtypes of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a cluster of behaviors. There are five subtypes of this category of illness:
Paranoid subtype schizophrenia
The paranoid type of schizophrenia is marked by thoughts of conspiracy or prosecution, (which
are prominent, but delusional in mind) or auditory hallucinations. The patients however are more
capable of working and are better at relationships than those having the other 4 types of
schizophrenia. The life lead is much more normal, especially if they can manage the disease.
Though the reason is unknown, it could probably be leading from the fact that those suffering
from this schizophrenic type begin to show their symptoms during the later part of life, and have
thus already managed to grasp better functioning before the illness could settle.
The patients may be hesitant in discussing their illness, and need not categorically look unusual
or odd. Their delusions and hallucinations circle around particular themes which do not change
frequently. In schizophrenia paranoid type the overall behavior and temperament depends on the
nature of their thoughts. For instance, somebody who imagines to be unjustly persecuted could
become hostile easily or short tempered. These indications are generally understood by
professionals when extra stress triggers the symptoms. It is precisely in such situations that the
patient might realize the requirement for help. They may take such steps that might attract
attention.
However, as the features are barely visible, it becomes important for the patient to discuss their
thought reflections openly. This could be difficult where paranoia or suspicions are high.
There can be variations over the same time period, in regard with its severity and nature. The
thought process may get disorganized when the condition is on the path of worsening or
exacerbation. During such phases, the patient may find it tougher to remember even the recent
events, or might speak incoherently, behaving in an irrational or in a disorganized pattern. Since
these are features prominently characteristic to other subtypes, based on the state of their illness,
the given symptoms may vary in several degrees in paranoid subtype patients. Family and
friends should be supportive, encouraging the patient to seek help from a professional.
Disorganized Subtype schizophrenia
As evident from its very name, this type of schizophrenia is marked by disorganized thought
patterns, with less of delusion and hallucination difficulties. The ability to normal functioning of
regular living might get seriously impaired, and might include trouble in performing routine
activities such as brushing, bathing, etc.
This is one of those sub types of schizophrenia where emotional impairment may be observed.
For instance, the patient’s emotions may fluctuate greatly, or might be unjustified in a given
circumstance, with unordinary responses of emotions (flat or blunted effect). The patient is
unusually giddy or jocular, like one who chuckles at a solemn occasion like funeral.
The communication ability might get impaired, with a practically incomprehensible speech,
owing to disorganized thought patterns. It is important to look out for speech which is marked
with difficulties in forming of sentences with correct word ordering than difficulties arising form
articulation or enunciation. ‘Hebephrenic’ was the term used in the past for this subtype.
Catatonic Subtype schizophrenia
Here the schizophrenia type’s symptoms that are predominant are movement imbalances.
Other movement imbalances could include what is termed as stereotypic behavior. This is
basically doing the same task repetitively, generally resulting from not having anything
productive to do.
Immobility or resistance to change in appearance may be noticed. The patient may stay
immovable, preferring to stay in the same poise as placed in by another person, for a prolonged
time, (waxy flexibility). Often, even if they are in what appears to be an uncomfortable position,
they might show extreme resistance to another person’s attempt in helping at repositioning.
The patient may voluntarily resort to unusual limb movements or facial expressions or body
positions. Thus the disease maybe confused with tardive dyskinesia, (a disease bearing similar
symptoms). It may also be confused with Tourette’s Syndrome as the patient may start parrot
like repeating of what is heard (echolalia) or mimicking other’s body movements.
Undifferentiated Subtype schizophrenia
Of all the schizophrenia sub types this is the one that does not fall into the category of either, and
is diagnosed when a schizophrenic patient does not exhibit symptoms resembling any of the
other types of schizophrenia.
In this schizophrenia type, the patient’s symptoms may fluctuate, or might stay excessively
stable, causing a doubt in placing it under any other sub type. The best schizophrenia type’s
definition for this type of schizophrenia is ‘mixed clinical condition’.
Residual Subtype schizophrenia
Here the symptoms have become less severe, and though idiosyncratic behaviors, delusions or
hallucinations, maybe still present, they appear less prominent as they were in the worst days of
illness.
Just like varying types of schizophrenia, the ramifications are highly varying too. Different
impairments affect different people in different degrees. While some need custodial care, others
may have a fairly normal career and family life. Though generally patients do not stand at either
of the two extreme points, they generally have to opt for waning and waxing treatments marked
with hospitalization visits, requiring outside support too. .
Better outcome is noticed when the patients, especially women, have had a higher functioning
capacity before illness, or when the severest episodes were brief and were followed with the
patient returning to normal. In all types of schizophrenia it has been noticed that those with
normal brain structures recover better.
On the other hand, a weaker prognosis is marked by sinister and gradual onsets, starting from
adolescence or childhood. They cause abnormalities in the brain structure which can be revealed
by imaging studies often causing permanent damages after severe incidents.