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Schizophrenia - disorganized type

Definition

Disorganized schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia in which behavior is disturbed and has no purpose.

Alternative Names

Hebephrenic schizophrenia; Disorganized schizophrenia

Causes

The cause is unknown. This type of schizophrenia usually begins before age 25. A family history of depression or psychosis increases the likelihood of having the disease.

References

International early psychosis association writing group. International clinical practice guidelines for early psychosis. Br J Psychiatry, 2005;187:s120-s124.

Addington D, Bouchard RH, Goldberg J, Honer B, Malla A, Norman R, Tempier R. Clinical practice guidelines: treatment of schizophrenia. Can J Psychiatry, 2005;50:7s-57s.

Review Date: 2/6/2008
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, MD, Attending Psychiatrist, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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