Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

A brain disorder that makes the patient delusional and prone to hallucination is known as
schizophrenia. Undifferentiated schizophrenia is a sub type of this disorder...

Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder that impairs the brain's ability to express and identify
emotions, and hinders the thinking process of the brain. Schizophrenia is an umbrella disorder with
many sub types like paranoid schizophrenia, catatonic, disorganized, residual, and undifferentiated
schizophrenia. One of the most widely misunderstood psychological disorders across the world,
schizophrenia affects more than a million Americans every year. Although there is no known cure for
schizophrenia, the disease can be arrested and the affected person is able to get back to a routine,
normal life. Schizophrenia is one of the top disorders behind long term disability in men and women
across the world. Generally, this disorder affects men and women in early adulthood, and
schizophrenia in children is rare. Scientist believe that 'Nature and Nurture' both play a part in
someone getting schizophrenia. It can occur because of pre-existing genetic disposition or the kind of
social environment the person is exposed to.

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia Symptoms

The different sub types of schizophrenia are characterized by some specific symptoms, for example, in
paranoid schizophrenia, hallucination and delusions can be seen. Bizarre body movements and
echopraxia are some of the signs in catatonic schizophrenia. Problems with behavior and speech are
some symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia. In undifferentiated schizophrenia there are some or all
the signs of the other sub types and it cannot be categorized in one particular sub type. In
undifferentiated schizophrenia, the symptoms can vacillate from one category to another and thus this
kind of schizophrenia cannot be categorized under one sub type. Schizophrenia is a mental illness
which cannot be diagnosed by any test, hence the diagnosis is done with the help of symptoms
described by the friends and family of an individual. Schizophrenia develops slowly in an individual,
and careful observation is required for the correct diagnosis. Some of the major signs of schizophrenia
are:
Delusion: After psychological testing it was found that one of the
biggest indicators of schizophrenia is delusional behavior, a person
might believe that a family member or a friend is conspiring to hurt
them. They might think that they are very famous, for example, a
famous musician, TV personality, or belonging to a royal family.
Unusual Speech: The thought process is not stable in a
schizophrenic, hence there is sometimes no connection between
the words that come out of the mouth of an affected person. A
 affected person will try and accommodate different thoughts in one
sentence, making a sentence without any meaning. They are also
known to use imaginary words which have meaning only to them
and repeat words uttered by others.

Hallucinations: A feeling of experiencing sounds or sensations

which are not real is common among schizophrenics. Auditory
hallucinations are very common in people with schizophrenia as
they might hear imaginary sounds like music playing, drill
machines at work, or even someone talking to them. Visual
hallucinations are also experienced by these people and they might
see manifestations of things that are not real.

Other Signs: An inability to understand written or spoken words

known as Alogia is one of the key indicators of schizophrenia. A
person will not be able to coherently reply to questions or will not
be able to make correct sentences. Another sign is bizarre body
movements and the inability to care for one's personal hygiene.
The affected person will also show signs of being in depression,
being disconnected, avoiding eye contact, might stop speaking and
sometimes even stop body movements. An all round lack of
interest is one of the early signs.

There is no clear undifferentiated schizophrenia treatment process, some believe that there is no cure,
but with the help of medication and family support the affected person can function in society. Anti-
psychotic medications can help reduce or stop the hallucinations and delusions. Some psychotherapies
that help the cognition process of the affected individual also go a long way towards their
rehabilitation. Self help groups have also been very effective in helping people with undifferentiated
schizophrenia deal with their condition.
By Indrajit Deshmukh
Published: 7/19/2010

Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff
When doctors suspect someone has schizophrenia, they typically ask for medical and
psychiatric histories, conduct a physical exam, and run medical and psychological
tests and exams. These tests and exams generally include:

Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), other
blood tests that may help to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms,
screening for alcohol and drugs, and imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.

Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider will check mental

status by observing appearance and demeanor and asking about thoughts, moods,
delusions, hallucinations, substance abuse, and potential for violence or suicide.

Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia

 To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must meet the criteria spelled out in
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is
published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health
providers to diagnose mental conditions.

Diagnosis of schizophrenia involves ruling out other mental health disorders and
determining that symptoms aren't due to substance abuse, medication or a medical
condition. In addition, a person must:

Have at least two of the common symptoms of the disorder delusions,

hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, or presence
of negative symptoms for a significant amount of time during one month

Experience significant impairment in the ability to work, attend school or

perform normal daily tasks

Have had symptoms for at least six months

There are several subtypes of schizophrenia, but not everyone easily fits into a
specific category. The five most common subtypes are:

Paranoid. Characterized by delusions and hallucinations, this type generally

involves less functional impairment and offers the best hope for improvement.

Catatonic. People with this subtype don't interact with others, get into bizarre
positions, or engage in meaningless gestures or activities.

Disorganized. Characterized by disorganized thoughts and inappropriate

expressions of emotion, this type generally involves the most functional impairment
and offers the least hope for improvement.

Undifferentiated. This is the largest group of people with schizophrenia, whose

dominant symptoms come from more than one subtype.

Residual. This type is characterized by extended periods without prominent

positive symptoms, but other symptoms continue.