A person with schizophrenia suffers from a serious mental illness that profoundly affects their thoughts, feelings, and abilities. The Latin term “split mind” is the source of the word “schizophrenia,” although this does not imply that a person has multiple or split personalities; rather, those who suffer from this disorder experience delusions, hallucinations, low motivation, and disorganized speech, thought, and behavior.
Schizophrenia affects around 24 million people worldwide, accounting for one in every 300 persons. This persistent mental condition is estimated to affect less than one percent of the population in the United States. Schizophrenia patients are 2 to 3 times more likely to die prematurely due to the multiple physical disorders connected with the illness, such as CVD (cardiovascular disease), cancer, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis. In addition to these figures, approximately 10% of people with schizophrenia commit suicide within 10 years after being diagnosed.
Are there different types of schizophrenia?
This chronic mental health disorder was previously classified into five subgroups according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-4. These are labeled as the paranoid, catatonic, disorganized, undifferentiated and residual types. However, in the updated DSM-5, these categories are no longer used because experts noticed that a person with schizophrenia exhibits overlapping symptoms, compelling a revision of the schizophrenia classification.
Still, these subtypes are considered valuable because they can be used as diagnostic criteria in explaining what a person with schizophrenia goes through.
Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by persistent visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions. This is how schizophrenia is typically shown in film and television.
Catatonic schizophrenia is characterized by excessive movement. One can be completely silent or immobile, known as a catatonic stupor, or extremely active for no apparent cause. The latter is referred to as catatonic excitement.
Other symptoms of catatonic schizophrenia include echolalia, or word imitating, and echopraxia, or action mimicking.
Disorganized schizophrenia is distinguished by disorganized speech and behaviors that are difficult to interpret. This form is also referred to as hebephrenic schizophrenia.
Undifferentiated schizophrenia is a subtype in which a person exhibits schizophrenia symptoms but does not meet the diagnostic criteria for paranoid, catatonic, or disorganized schizophrenia.
The updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) no longer recognizes undifferentiated schizophrenia because, according to the American Psychiatric Association, this category did not properly explain the disorder’s complexity.
Residual schizophrenia is defined as a phase in which a diagnosed schizophrenia individual experiences fewer or reduced symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech and behavior. This is referred to as the “recovery stage” by experts.
How to handle people with Schizophrenia
Often, persons with schizophrenia are unaware that they have this type of mental condition, so talk to them with compassion, full understanding, and offer support. It is best to bring them to a health professional if they have yet to be diagnosed so that they can be categorized into the type of schizophrenia that is important to know to manage their situation better.
Getting help
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia, talk to them first and listen with empathy while using non-confrontational language. Understand their points of view, no matter how odd their ideas or beliefs are. Try to create a support network made up of close family and friends who will not condemn or shame them.
Overall, Schizophrenia is not as uncommon as you think. What’s important is that we accept people who suffer from it and help guide them to healing. Together, let’s break the stigma and build a world where warmth and empathy are the norm.
Sources:
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/type-of-sch/23918308#7
https://www.lifeadjustmentteam.com/here-are-the-5-types-of-schizophrenia-you-should-know/
https://mrsharrispsychology.school.blog/classification-of-schizophrenia/