Subtypes No Longer Used in Diagnosis
Schizophreniais no longer diagnosed with subtypes.
Its considered a chronic mental health condition that exists on a spectrum.
Schizophrenia interferes with a person’s perception of reality.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
People with schizophrenia face emotional difficulties and trouble thinking rationally and clearly.
They also have challenges in their relationships with others.
Therefore, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed schizophrenia subtypes from the DSM-5.
To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must meet the criteria outlined in theDSM-5.
A person may also have periods of prodromal or residual symptoms.
It is also the key in that is most often depicted in the media and popular culture.
Fixed, false beliefs that conflict with reality (delusions) are a hallmark of paranoid schizophrenia.
Hallucinations, particularly hearing voices (auditory hallucinations), are also common.
A person living with the illness may experience different symptoms at different times.
Disorganized (Hebephrenic) Schizophrenia
Disorganized schizophrenia is also called hebephrenic schizophrenia.
The residual phase of schizophrenia is a period when a person’s symptoms are not as intense.
There are no specific symptoms that indicate undifferentiated schizophrenia.
Instead, a person shows many symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for a particular subtype.
The symptoms of undifferentiated schizophrenia may include:
Childhood Schizophrenia
Childhood schizophreniais not a subtype of schizophrenia.
This term refers to the age of onset of schizophrenia, not a separate diagnosis.
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
There are other disorders on the schizophrenia spectrum, along with schizophrenia.
The conditions are listed in the DSM-5-TR as schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.
They may also hold other beliefs that are outside the realm of reality.
After the episode, the person goes into complete remission.
However, it is possible to have another psychotic episode in the future.
A brief psychotic episode is characterized by the sudden onset of delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech.
The symptoms are are often triggered by stress and only last a few days.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Schizotypal personality disorder involves having odd beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors.
A person with schizotypical personality disorder can be suspicious or paranoid of others and often has limited relationships.
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[Internet] Rockville (MD) (US); 2016 Jun.
Mental Health UK.Types of schizophrenia.
2016;6(4):391-398.
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APA.DSM-5-TR fact sheets.
