Paranoid schizophrenia is characterized by prominent delusions and (usually auditory) hallucinations that wax and wane across recurrent psychotic episodes. Multiple delusions may be present but generally all will share a coherent theme (e.g., delusions may be persecutory or grandiose, or religious in nature, etc.) There may be command hallucinations that drive patients to complete odd or bizarre goals. Affected individuals tend to be anxious, frightened, angry, aloof, and argumentative; they may have a superior and patronizing manner and formal or extremely intense interpersonal interactions. The combination of delusions and anger can lead to violence towards self and/or others, although this is not a common occurrence (See Stigma and Violence, above). Individuals newly diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia tend to show little to no impairment on brain scans and psychologically tests. Provided they receive prompt proper medical treatment, their prognosis can be good. Some substantial number of individuals with paranoid schizophrenia are able to work (although not in high-stress occupations) and retain the capacity for independent living.
Disorganized Type (Hebephrenic)
The characteristics of this type of schizophrenia are disorganized speech, and flat or inappropriate affect. Historically, this type was called "hebephrenic". Disorganized speech may include silliness and laughter that are unrelated to the topic of conversation. Disorganized behaviors limit these patients' ability to sustain goal-oriented activities, often including personal hygiene. People with this type of schizophrenia typically score poorly on a variety of neuropsychological and cognitive tests and show more signs of brain damage on brain scans. This subtype also tends to strike earlier in life rather than later, and then to sustain a continuous, unremitting course.
Catatonic Type
Catatonic schizophrenia patients demonstrate disturbed movement, somatic (body) and language symptoms. They sometimes strike odd (and probably uncomfortable) poses, and then hold those poses for hours. They may be mute during these episodes, refusing to speak, and/or make odd facial expressions. They may resist attempts to change their positions. At other times they may move about quite freely, demonstrating seemingly purposeless and undirected motor activity, or imitating other people's movements. When not mute, they may speak by echoing phrases that others have spoken to them. Whether out of neglect or excitement, patients may end up harming themselves (e.g., through malnutrition, exhaustion, hyperpyrexia, or self-inflicted injury).
Disorganized Type (Hebephrenic)
The characteristics of this type of schizophrenia are disorganized speech, and flat or inappropriate affect. Historically, this type was called "hebephrenic". Disorganized speech may include silliness and laughter that are unrelated to the topic of conversation. Disorganized behaviors limit these patients' ability to sustain goal-oriented activities, often including personal hygiene. People with this type of schizophrenia typically score poorly on a variety of neuropsychological and cognitive tests and show more signs of brain damage on brain scans. This subtype also tends to strike earlier in life rather than later, and then to sustain a continuous, unremitting course.
Catatonic Type
Catatonic schizophrenia patients demonstrate disturbed movement, somatic (body) and language symptoms. They sometimes strike odd (and probably uncomfortable) poses, and then hold those poses for hours. They may be mute during these episodes, refusing to speak, and/or make odd facial expressions. They may resist attempts to change their positions. At other times they may move about quite freely, demonstrating seemingly purposeless and undirected motor activity, or imitating other people's movements. When not mute, they may speak by echoing phrases that others have spoken to them. Whether out of neglect or excitement, patients may end up harming themselves (e.g., through malnutrition, exhaustion, hyperpyrexia, or self-inflicted injury).