Support for anyone with
a mental disorder

Schizophrenia

The DSM-III-R diagnosis of schizophrenia is made when other psychotic disorders have been ruled out and when the following symptoms have been present for at least six months:

1. One of the following for at least one week:
   •  Two of these: Delusions, prominent hallucinations, incoherence or loose associations, catatonic behavior, flat or grossly inappropriate affect.
   •  Bizarre delusions (eg thought broadcasting)
   •  Hallucinations of a voice, such as a voice keeping up a running commentary on the person's behavior or thoughts, or two or more voices conversing with each other
2. The person's functioning, as in work, social relations or self-care, is markedly below the level shown before the disturbance (American Psychiatric Association, 1987)

Paranoid Schizophrenia

Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by delusions of persecution, re fence, or grandeur and by hallucinations associated with delusional themes. The classic paranoid schizophrenic is plagued by fears of being harmed or controlled by others. Auditory hallucinations are common, especially hearing voices that relate to the delusional thoughts and fears.

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Catatonic Schizophrenia

The most prominent symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia are psychomotor disturbances, such as stupor, negativism, and excitement. The catatonic stupor is a state in which movement and responsiveness to the environment are greatly diminished. The person may sit or stand motionless for many hours. Negativism is exhibited when the person resists movement or refuses to follow instructions. A catatonic schizophrenic emerging from a stupor may exhibit dramatic excitement, characterized by emotional agitation and apparently purposeless activity.

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Disorganized Schizophrenia

Disorganized schizophrenia is characterized by incoherent speech, loose associations, irrationality, and disorganized behavior. The person with this disorder exhibits emotional responses that are inappropriate, unpredictable, or even grossly exaggerated. They may experience delusions and hallucinations, but they tend to be inconsistent and lack the distinctive theme of the paranoid type. Behavior is very eccentric or bizarre, and the individual often exhibits peculiar mannerisms and facial expressions.

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Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

Mixed symptoms that do not conform to the paranoid, catatonic, or disorganized types characterize undifferentiated schizophrenia. Many schizophrenics have symptoms that change from one type to another over time, and this pattern is also labeled undifferentiated schizophrenia.

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