Seven Signs To Recognize If You Might Have Disorganized Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia can be a serious disorder, particularly if left untreated. It can lead people to engage in extremely dangerous and risky behaviors. It can cause them to act out in uncharacteristic ways, making it difficult for them to maintain friendships and relationships. With disorganized schizophrenia, these risks may take a slightly different turn. Disorganized schizophrenia is only one of the five different types of schizophrenia previously listed in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), but it can take a toll on one’s mental and physical health and life much like the other types can. If you think you or a loved one has disorganized schizophrenia, consider looking out for the 7 warning signs contained within this article.
The types of schizophrenia
Before we dive into the different signs that you may want to watch for, let’s take a closer look at the different types of schizophrenia, along with their positive and negative symptoms. As mentioned, there are five different types, and they each have slightly different aspects to them. You’ll need to speak with a mental health professional to be formally diagnosed with any of these.
Disorganized schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia characterized by disorganized speech, thoughts, and behaviors. The individual generally has difficulty expressing themselves, including their emotions, and may have trouble with their speech patterns. They may struggle to engage with social situations because of strange social behaviors and actions that exclude them from the general group.
Catatonic schizophrenia appears in individuals who lack speech or who tend to have strange affectations. These individuals may make unusual motions like twitching or seem to react to something around them that isn’t there. They may likewise attempt to mimic others, including their behaviors or words. This type of schizophrenia is usually quite visible and can be very difficult for individuals to work through.
When someone has paranoid schizophrenia, they tend to believe that things or people are out to get them. They might not even be able to articulate who they are, but they may constantly feel under scrutiny or attack. They generally have delusions or hallucinations that may take them out of the present moment and cause them to interact with things that aren’t there.
Undifferentiated schizophrenia is where those with the symptoms of schizophrenia don’t seem to exhibit them. Rather than display these symptoms outwardly, someone with undifferentiated schizophrenia may be able to keep these symptoms hidden, which makes for a slightly different form of schizophrenia that can be just as dangerous or troubling for the individual as any of the more outwardly visible varieties.
Residual schizophrenia is the final version. In this one, the individual often has negative emotions and symptoms that continue to hang around even as they start to resolve their other symptoms. They might have a loss of interest in things around them or struggle with unusual behaviors that still don’t go away. These things can be diagnosed as depression or may manifest in depression if not treated properly.
It can be important to note that some symptoms may be due to other mental health conditions or comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. Speaking with a qualified mental health professional can often be helpful in diagnosing any conditions a person might be experiencing.
Types of disorganized schizophrenia symptoms
The following symptoms pertain to disorganized schizophrenia specifically. If you see any of the following signs in you or a loved one, it can be important to get advice from a medical professional.
Disorganized speech
Disorganized speech means that the individual has trouble speaking properly. They may not be coherent or feel unable to express what they’re trying to say to another person. They might make up words, rhyme words together, repeat things multiple times, or even entirely use the wrong word. They may also jump around from one topic to the next without realizing that their thoughts and topics don’t align.
Disorganized thinking
When it comes to disorganized thinking, it often goes hand-in-hand with disorganized speech. These individuals may have difficulty organizing their thoughts into a coherent line and, therefore, may not express themselves appropriately. They might have difficulty telling people what they’re thinking and struggle to align their thoughts in a way that makes them understandable. It may also be hard for them to carry on a specific conversation with someone. Their thoughts might jump from one topic to the next too quickly for others to stay connected as well.
Disorganized behavior
When it comes to disorganized behavior, the individual may not be able to do things independently. There are several signs of disorganized behavior. Someone may struggle to stay on task when they’re left to their own devices or might not be able to start or finish a task when it’s given to them. They may have trouble even with basic tasks that include getting ready for the day or eating a meal. Over time, they can become more dependent on other people and may eventually be incapable of following normal routines. They might likewise have trouble with their emotional behaviors and start to show a lack of impulse control and an inability to interact with others.
Inappropriate emotional responses
Maintaining control over one’s emotions can be an extremely difficult aspect for someone with disorganized schizophrenia. They may struggle to show emotion at all or express the wrong emotion at inappropriate times. For example, they could laugh at a funeral. They may act silly or childish or may become overly sexual or aggressive. They might become more catatonic, freeze, avoid eye contact, start moving in strange ways and display other unusual behaviors because they have trouble understanding what the proper emotional response is for the moment. This can lead them to act out in ways that are difficult to understand or explain.
Hallucinations
Though they’re more commonly seen in paranoid schizophrenia, it is possible to have hallucinations with other forms of schizophrenia as well. The individual may see or hear other people or things around them that aren’t there. They may also interact with these individuals or things even when engaged in a conversation with someone in front of them. Unsurprisingly, this can make it difficult for them to carry on conversations with people present within the area. This can make it challenging for others to understand what the individual is doing or why they’re acting in certain ways. Even senses of feeling, smell, and taste can be affected by hallucinations and things that aren’t present.
Delusions
On the other side of hallucinations is delusions. These schizophrenia symptoms are characterized by the individual feeling as though something is true about themselves that isn’t. They might act like they are invincible or superhuman or that they are being persecuted. They may seem to act guilty frequently and might start to become more and more paranoid as they try to avoid the person or people they feel are coming after them.
Paranoia
Paranoia can be a symptom that people with schizophrenia in all its forms may experience. An individual might feel like they are being followed or that someone is out to get them. They may start to second-guess everyone in their life or even strangers that they see on the street. This can impact their day-to-day life, making it difficult to function as usual.
Online counseling with Regain
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia, it can be important to get a professional’s opinion. Attempting to self-diagnose can delay treatment and cause the condition to worsen. The process of finding a therapist who specializes in a certain disorder can be time-consuming but Regain can make it easier and more convenient to get the care you need. Regain is an online counseling platform that can connect you with a therapist from the comfort of your home. Most people are matched with a therapist within 24-48 hours of signing up on the platform. Online therapy can make getting the support you need both easy and convenient. When you’re already going through so much, this option could take a big weight off your shoulders.
The efficacy of online counseling
Those experiencing disorganized symptoms, symptoms of psychosis, or living with a mental health condition like schizophrenia may benefit from online counseling. In one study, researchers concluded that an online mindfulness-based therapy intervention was effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distressing voices in those with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis. These results were found to be on par with face-to-face mindfulness programs designed for the same reasons.
Takeaway
If you think you have disorganized schizophrenia or another mental health disorder, you may have a lot of questions and concerns. Instead of ruminating about what you could be struggling with, it can be important to reach out to a professional for their advice. It can be intimidating to seek support for your mental health but acknowledging that you could use a helping hand could be the first step in the right direction. Regain can connect you with a therapist who has experience with mental health conditions like schizophrenia. They can provide advice, encouragement, and support and develop a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms more effectively. Schizophrenia can present many unique challenges, but it can be managed when you have the right resources, tools, and support system.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia?
Although disorganized schizophrenia is one of the subtypes of schizophrenia, discussing the specific symptoms associated with this kind can help. People with schizophrenia who experience symptoms are typically diagnosed in their late teens to early thirties. The institute of mental health provides more information concerning onset and statistics relating to people with schizophrenia.
While people with schizophrenia experience various symptoms, those with disorganized schizophrenia typically experience delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. However, the first two are less common. Other symptoms of schizophrenia could include:
- Repeating words without reason
- Isolation from friends and family
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of concentration
- Difficulty processing information
Furthermore, the diagnostic and statistical manual does not classify schizophrenia into different subtypes of schizophrenia, at least as of the fifth edition. Despite the statistical manual of mental health not considering disorganized schizophrenia as a subtype of schizophrenia, you can still learn the specific symptoms of schizophrenia that may help you understand if you or a loved one is exhibiting any mental health disorders listed by the DSM.
What is disorganized or hebephrenic schizophrenia?
Hebephrenic schizophrenia, which is another word for disorganized schizophrenia, is a subtype of schizophrenia known for disorganized speech and behavior. While the fourth edition of the diagnostic and statistical manual acknowledged hebephrenic schizophrenia as a subtype of schizophrenia, that is no longer the case in the fifth version of the manual of mental disorders.
The statistical manual of mental health can still be useful in diagnosing schizophrenia, even for former subtypes. According to the manual of mental disorders, if an individual is exhibiting at least two of the following symptoms for at least six months, then he or she may be experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized behavior
- Disorganized speech
If you would like to learn more about how mental health disorders are diagnosed, you can refer to the National Center for Biotechnology’s table concerning the manual of mental disorders.
What is disorganized speech in schizophrenia?
People with schizophrenia may exhibit disorganized speech by switching topics without warning, repeating other people’s words immediately, or speaking incoherently. As such, people with delusions, hallucinations disorganized speech may have difficulty expressing themselves clearly.
Along with other symptoms of schizophrenia, as outlined in the diagnostic and statistical manual, the mental health of people with schizophrenia may deteriorate. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, between 0.25% and 0.64% of US households have experienced a subtype of schizophrenia.
If you know somebody with disorganized speaking, you can comfort that individual by listening to them. Even if you do not know what they are saying, they may feel grateful that somebody cares for them. You may also consider telling the individual about helpful resources, such as support groups or offering to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
Lastly, if you think that your loved one is experiencing a subtype of schizophrenia, consult a doctor to get an official diagnosis. Even if it is not schizophrenia, you can help your loved one by showing them compassion.
What is disorganized behavior?
Disorganized behavior is when an individual performs unusual acts in inappropriate places or is not able to behave normally, including:
- Undressing in public places
- Problems with focusing on goals or important tasks
- Lack of impulse control
- Impairment of routine behaviors, such as brushing their teeth and sleeping normally
The institute of mental health can help you find more information about disorganized schizophrenia, including helpful resources for people with schizophrenia.
Individuals with disorganized schizophrenia may experience emotional deficits along with disorganized behavior. These deficits include when an individual cannot recognize anybody’s emotions. For example, somebody with disorganized schizophrenia may laugh during a funeral.
If you know a loved one who exhibits these symptoms, try to be understanding. Instead of critiquing them for their behavior, explain to them what they may have done wrong. Along with giving advice, consider consulting a doctor. An expert can consult the manual of mental disorders, conclude if your loved one has schizophrenia, and determine how treatment could proceed.
What happens if schizophrenia is left untreated?
Having a subtype of schizophrenia that is left untreated can severely affect every aspect of someone’s life. Some people may resort to substance use as a distraction from their physical and mental difficulties. As a result, they may develop alcoholism, which can severely reduce their mental health.
Research suggests that people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia have a life expectancy that is 20 years shorter than the general population, on average. To ensure that your loved one can still live a happy life, it can be important to consult a doctor, receive an official diagnosis, and get your loved one on a treatment plan.
Other ways to support your loved one can be found using the National Institute of Mental Health’s website. They have many resources available for those with schizophrenia. There are also resources for loved ones living with people experiencing a mental health disorder. As such, the National Institute of Mental Health helps both patients and loved ones become healthier. Professional resources can give more personalized, more effective help than speculation and guessing.
What should you not say to someone with schizophrenia?
If you know or live with somebody with schizophrenia, try not to dismiss their experiences or feelings. It can be important for them to know that they have people in their corner to offer support. Try to use empathy and place yourself in their shoes. Avoid minimizing or rationalizing away their struggles and encourage them to get professional support if possible. Even if they’re not ready to accept help, do your best to be supportive and kind.
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