Hebephrenic schizophrenia is also referred to as disorganized type of disease. Patients with this particular form of schizophrenia are often irritating to outsiders. Her behavior seems inappropriate, confused and aimless. The reason: In this mental disorder, especially the emotions, the thinking and the drive are severely impaired. Read more about the hebephrenic schizophrenia here.
Hebephrenic schizophrenia: diagnosis
Hebephrenic schizophrenia usually begins gradually between the ages of 15 and 25 years. But it can also develop later. Predominant are speech and drive disorders as well as disorderly thinking. Concentration disorders and depessions are often the first signs of the deteriorating grades noticeable at school. Those affected are also withdrawing more and more and neglect friends, family and hobbies. In the run-up to the hebephrenic schizophrenia, those affected are often noticeably shy and withdrawn.
According to the “International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems” (ICD-10), the following criteria apply to the diagnosis of “hebephrenic schizophrenia” (this form of treatment is not taken into account in the new ICD-11):
- The general criteria of schizophrenia are present.
- The emotions are permanently flattened or superficial or inappropriate (e.g., laughter at a funeral).
- The behavior is aimless and unrelated; the language is incoherent and disintegrated.
- Hallucinations and delusions are not or only slightly.
Hebephrenic Schizophrenia: Altered Emotions
Characteristic of the hebephrenic schizophrenia are altered emotions, which are also very unstable. For no apparent reason, heightened schizophrenia patients suddenly begin to laugh or cry. In many other moments they show little emotion (flat affect). The affected people often act as if they have no feelings at all. This impression is reinforced by the fact that they are not interested in anything and seem to be indifferent. Even in moments when they are very cheerful and cheerful, these feelings do not seem real, but played and superficial. Above all, the emotions shown often do not match the situation.
Hebephrenic schizophrenia: disorganized behavior and language
Hebephrenic schizophrenia patients behave inappropriately, unpredictably and irresponsibly. For example, in a sad situation, they may suddenly start making faces or making other “faxes.” The inadequate behavior seems to observers childish and silly. Also unabashed and distanceless behavior is often observed.
It is also typical for hebephrenic schizophrenia patients that they complain of disease concerns (hypochondriacal complaints). The language is also severely impaired. They often form meaningless sentences or repeat words. Her thoughts are disconnected.
Movements or actions can be just as bizarre if they are performed again and again or in a strange way (mannerisms). HEPEPENCE SCHIZOPHRENIA patients have no intention of recognizing their behavior. In the course of the disease, those affected withdraw more and more. They no longer pursue interests and no longer care about their external appearance.
Patients with hebephrenic schizophrenia rarely suffer from delusions and hallucinations, unlike paranoid schizophrenia.
Hebephrenic schizophrenia: prognosis
Hebephrenic schizophrenia has an unfavorable prognosis. Although it starts slowly, it often develops into a chronic disorder with no symptom-free phases. At the same time, the personality of patients is increasingly changing.
Patients are treated with certain antipsychotic medications (atypical antipsychotics) as well as with socio-psychotherapy. However, the drugs often do not adequately affect the highly pernicious schizophrenia. Many sufferers therefore need long-term treatment in a clinic. There, the patients learn with the hebephrenic schizophrenia deal with it. If you are able to do so, they will be encouraged to work independently throughout the day.