Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsSubtypesRisk FactorsDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to Get HelpCopingProviding Support
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Subtypes
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to Get Help
Coping
Providing Support
Schizophreniais a serious mental illness that makes it difficult for a person to maintain relationships and participate in everyday activities. It is notoriously difficult to treat, due to the complexity of symptoms and the low effectiveness of treatments.
This article takes a closer look at the causes and symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia, along with how it is diagnosed and treated. It also provides ways to cope if you or someone you love has schizophrenia.
Verywell / Joules Garcia
Symptoms of Disorganized Schizophrenia
Each person with schizophrenia experiences different types of symptoms, which are generally organized into three categories:
A person with disorganized schizophrenia may have any of these symptoms, but most prominently experiences symptoms of disorganization. These symptoms include:
Disorganized Thinking
Most people with schizophrenia experience cognitive deficits that can make it difficult to form or understand complex ideas. Such deficits can interfere with a person’s ability to form a personal identity or understand the motivations of others.
Disorganized thinking can also manifest in:
Disorganized Speech
Effective communication is a challenge for many people with disorganized schizophrenia. Due to disorganized thinking and speech, it can be difficult for them to engage socially, maintain friendships, and perform well in their jobs.
Symptoms of disorganized speech include:
Disorganized Behavior
Symptoms of disorganized behavior can also include:
Change in Schizophrenia Subtypes
The “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM) was created to help healthcare professionals properly diagnose people with mental health disorders like schizophrenia. This manual is updated periodically to take into consideration new research and clinical recommendations from leading mental health professionals.
In the DSM-4, schizophrenia was divided into several subtypes, including paranoid and disorganized. However, theDSM-5, the current version, has removed these subtypes entirely and shifted instead to capturing variability in symptoms of schizophrenia.
Therefore, disorganization is now considered a symptom of the disorder, rather than a subtype. Nevertheless, it remains important to understand disorganized symptoms, specifically if you are a person living with schizophrenia or a loved one caring for someone with this condition.
Understanding Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Causes and Risk Factors
The majority of people with schizophrenia are diagnosed between the ages of 16 to 30, usually after their first episode ofpsychosis.
The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but researchers have identified a host of risk factors that likely contribute to its development. They include:
Genetics:Schizophrenia sometimes runs in families, and several genes, including DISC1, have been linked to the risk of developing schizophrenia.With that being said, having a family history of schizophrenia does not mean that you or other family members will develop it.
Environment:Life experiences are thought to play a role in the development of schizophrenia. This may include childhood trauma, poverty, stressful or dangerous surroundings, and exposure to viruses or nutritional deficiencies before birth.
Brain structure and function:Schizophrenia is associated with excessdopamine, a neurotransmitter (or chemical messenger) that regulates both motor and cognitive activity. Many other neurotransmitters may also be the cause, including glutamate andGABA(gamma-aminobutyric acid).Some brain differences associated with schizophrenia may develop before birth.
It’s thought that several factors likely contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
What Causes Schizophrenia?
People don’t get specifically diagnosed with disorganized schizophrenia. Instead, if you meet these signs of disorganization, you fit into the third and fourth categories of symptoms for schizophrenia listed in the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, a person who exhibits two or more of the following symptoms for at least one month meets the criteria for schizophrenia:
People must also show impaired functioning at work, in interpersonal relationships, and with self-care.
A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can diagnose schizophrenia. A physician may perform a physical exam, run diagnostic tests such as blood work, and order a brain scan such as anMRI(magnetic resonance imaging) to rule out possible medical or neurologic contributions to the symptoms.
Differential Diagnosis
Some mental illnesses cause symptoms that resemble schizophrenia, including:
They will also need to determine that the symptoms are not a result of substance abuse or another medical condition. Once all of the test results are reviewed and alternative causes are ruled out, a definitive diagnosis of schizophrenia can be made.
List of Mental Illnesses
The first line of treatment for schizophrenia ispsychotropic medication. Most people with schizophrenia also require adjunctive treatments to enhance the effectiveness of medications, and help manage co-occurring disorders.
Medications
Several types of medications are available to treat schizophrenia.
There are two main categories of treatments: first- and second-generation antipsychotics.“First generation” refers to older medications, while “second generation” refers to newer medications. Older medications include those that target the dopamine receptors in the brain. Newer medications also target dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
First-generation antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia include:
Second-generation antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia include:
Combination muscarinic antagonist and agonist may also be used:
Cobenfy is a new treatment for schizophrenia used to improve positive and negative symptoms. Cobenfy is a new class of medicine and works differently than traditional schizophrenia medications. Cobenfy contains xanomeline, which helps schizophrenia symptoms, and trospium, which works to reduce the side effects.
Psychotherapy
Mental health professionals trained to work with people with this condition may provide unique tools and strategies that can help manage symptoms. Different therapeutic approaches, including the following, can be tailored to address specific behaviors and symptoms that are most difficult to treat:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Many people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms with the help of their healthcare professionals. However, some people may still struggle to manage certain behaviors or symptoms. They also might stop taking their medication without telling anyone. This can create a stressful situation for them and their loved ones.
It’s important to know when to call for emergency help. If a person with schizophrenia poses immediate harm to themselves or others, their loved one should call911. If they are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
Diagnosis of a mental health condition like schizophrenia can be very overwhelming. Many people with schizophrenia, depending on the severity of their symptoms and how they respond to medications, are able to work and engage in social interactions. However, thestigmaassociated with this condition may make it difficult for people to accept a diagnosis and keep up with their treatment.
Some ways to help manage your illness include:
There are many resources available to help support people with schizophrenia, including:The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)Local support groups
There are many resources available to help support people with schizophrenia, including:
Supporting a Loved One
People with schizophrenia may need a lot of help from loved ones. Family members or friends may need to remind their loved one to take their medication, go to scheduled medical appointments, and take care of their health.
Tips for caregivers of someone with schizophrenia include the following:
There is no cure for schizophrenia, and it is a chronic (long-term) condition. Caretakers must remember to take care of their health, as well as that of their loved one, and reach out for support when needed.
Don’t hesitate to contact organizations and facilities that can help, including the following:
Summary
Disorganized schizophrenia is not a subtype of schizophrenia, but rather a subset of disorganized thought, speech, and behavioral patterns seen in many people with schizophrenia. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unclear, although a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological risk factors is likely at play. Schizophrenia is treated with psychotropic drugs, particularly antipsychotics, as well as adjunctive treatments like talk therapy.
If you or someone you know poses an immediate risk of harming themselves or others, call 911 immediately for help. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 to speak with a trained Suicide & Crisis Lifeline counselor.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health.Schizophrenia.
Harrison PJ.Recent genetic findings in schizophrenia and their therapeutic relevance.J Psychopharmacol. 2015 Feb;29(2):85-96. doi: 10.1177/0269881114553647
Howes O, McCutcheon R, Stone J.Glutamate and dopamine in schizophrenia: an update for the 21st century.J Psychopharmacol. 2015 Feb;29(2):97-115. doi: 10.1177/0269881114563634
Patel KR, Cherian J, Gohil K, Atkinson D.Schizophrenia: overview and treatment options.P T. 2014;39(9):638-645.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Schizophrenia treatment.
Spertus J, Horvitz-Lennon M, Abing H, Normand SL.Risk of weight gain for specific antipsychotic drugs: a meta-analysis.NPJ Schizophr. 2018;4(1):12. doi:10.1038/s41537-018-0053-9
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Schizophrenia Support.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
