Summer developed chronic symptoms of schizophrenia at age 22. Thus far her symptoms include disorganized behaviours, thought disruptions, and inappropriate affect. She has been unresponsive to treatment. Which subtype of schizophrenia does Summer most likely have?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Summer's symptoms of disorganized behaviours and thought disruptions are indicative of the disorganized subtype of schizophrenia. The inappropriate affect also fits within this subtype. Additionally, the fact that she has been unresponsive to treatment suggests that her symptoms are severe and long-lasting, which is characteristic of the chronic forms of schizophrenia such as the disorganized subtype. The catatonic subtype is characterized by prominent motor symptoms, such as frozen or rigid behaviours, and the paranoid subtype by delusions of persecution or grandeur. The residual subtype describes individuals who have had at least one episode of schizophrenia, but currently only exhibit negative symptoms such as social withdrawal and lack of motivation.

Summer Developed Chronic Symptoms of Schizophrenia at Age 22