What Are The Different Types Of Schizophrenia? How Many Subtypes Of Schizophrenia Are There?

Schizophrenia, which is characterized by abnormalities in expression or perception of reality, is a mental illness that frequently consists of auditory hallucinations (hearing things that are not there), bizarre delusions, paranoid delusions, disorganized speech (in some types), disorganized thinking, and significant social or occupational dysfunction.

Most cases of schizophrenia, with the exception of Childhood Schizophrenia become apparent when the individual is in early adulthood. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), USA, approximately 0.4% to 0.6% of the population is affected.

There are several types (subtypes) of schizophrenia, some of which are listed below:

Schizoaffective Disorder

This type of schizophrenia is characterized by a combination of schizophrenia and mood (affective) disorder symptoms. Some experts disagree on whether this is a type of schizophrenia or a type of mood disorder. Some even wonder whether it should be treated as a distinct disorder.

The individual experiences a combination of schizophrenia symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and mood disorder symptoms (mania or depression).

Catatonic Schizophrenia

This type of schizophrenia includes extremes of behavior, including:

• Catatonic excitement - overexcitement or hyperactivity, in which the patient may mimic sounds (echolalia) or movements (achopraxia) around them.
• Catatonic stupor - a dramatic reduction in activity in which the patient cannot speak, move or respond. Virtually all movements stops.

Sometimes an individual with catatonic schizophrenia may deliberately assume bizarre body positions, or manifest unusual limb movements or facial contortions, occasionally resulting in the misdiagnosis with tardive dyskinesia.

Childhood Schizophrenia

Also known as childhood-onset schizophrenia or early-onset schizophrenia. This is basically the same as schizophrenia, but onset takes place earlier in life. Onset means the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness.

In some cases of childhood schizophrenia onset occurs at the age of ten; and even earlier. Childhood schizophrenia can have a considerable impact on the child's ability to function properly.

Disorganized Schizophrenia (Hebephrenia)

Also known as hebephrenia (hebephrenic schizophrenia), disorganized schizophrenia is thought to be an extreme expression of disorganization syndrome. It is characterized by incoherent and illogical thoughts and behaviors; i.e., disinhibited, agitated, and purposeless behavior.

Psychiatrists say disorganized schizophrenia is a more severe schizophrenia type because the patient cannot perform daily activities, such as preparing meals and taking care of personal hygiene (washing). People may not be able to understand what the patient is saying. The sufferer can become frustrated and agitated, causing him/her to lash out.

Paranoid Schizophrenia

In this type of schizophrenia the patient has false beliefs (delusions) that an individual or group of people are conspiring to harm them or members of their family.

As with most other types of schizophrenia, the patient commonly has auditory hallucinations (hearing things that are not real). The patient may also have delusions of personal grandeur - a false belief that they are much greater and more powerful and influential than they really are. He/she may spend a great deal of time thinking about ways to protect themselves from their supposed persecutors.