BRIEF DESCRIPTION of the DISEASE

Undifferentiated schizophrenia is a mental disorder which is part of the family of

disorders broadly known as schizophrenia. There are a number of subcategories of
schizophrenia including paranoid schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia, disorganized
schizophrenia, residual
schizophrenia,
and schizoaffective
disorder;
undifferentiated
schizophrenia is often defined as a form in which enough symptoms for a diagnosis are present,
but the patient does not fall into the catatonic, disorganized, or paranoid subcategories.

Signs and Symptoms

In the case of undifferentiated schizophrenia, there are no exact symptoms that can be
listed. People that fit this type of schizophrenia tend to meet general symptoms for
schizophrenia but not any for another subtype. For example, the person may clearly exhibit
schizophrenic symptoms, but not any to be classified as having the catatonic, disorganized,
or paranoid subtypes. The symptoms experienced with this particular diagnosis do not fit a
specific mold they can vary depending on the individual. One person may be more prone to
delusions and another may experience more disorganization it totally depends on the
individual. Symptoms may also fluctuate with undifferentiated schizophrenia making it
difficult to specify a diagnosis. In other words, the undifferentiated title is used also to describe
schizophrenia with interchanging symptoms.

Delusions: The individual may believe things that have no basis in reality. They may
think that others are trying poison their food. They may think that they have supernatural
powers such as the ability to talk to God or fly; these are called delusions of grandeur.

Disorganization: In some cases, the person may exhibit extremely disorganized

behavior, speech, and thinking. They may be unable to formulate sentences that make any
sort of sense. They may also change topics from sentence to sentence. People may engage in
purposeless behavior and may become hyperactive in a non-constructive, random manner.

Hallucinations: Individuals may hear voices or see things that arent based in reality. It is
most common to hear voices that are mean to the person or that say hurtful things. The
hallucinations can involve other senses as well such as tactile hallucinations (e.g. thinking
that they are being touched when no one is around).

Flat affect: The person may have blunted emotional responses and facial expressions.
They may be incapable of emotional expression and thus may appear flat. The individual
may speak in a monotone when negative symptoms are prevalent.

Low energy: As a result of the negative symptoms, the person may experience bouts of
significantly low energy. The energy levels may be so low that they may not be able to get
out of bed in the morning.

Paranoia: In some cases, people become paranoid in which they feel as though someone

is out to get them. This is a state of intense anxiety and fear, which if left untreated, can lead
to hallucinations and delusions.
Poor insight: The patient does not know that they have schizophrenia even though they

have all of the symptoms of psychosis. In some cases the person may be so unaware that
anything is wrong, that they end up resisting treatment. Many people end up in denial when
diagnosed with the illness because they do not think anything is wrong.
Psychomotor slowing: The person may experience psychomotor slowing as a result of

the negative symptoms. This means that they may lack energy, motivation, and emotion.
They may lay in bed or sit in a single position for hours at a time.
Social withdrawal: Many people experience social withdrawal as the symptoms become

more severe. People may have a mistrust for others and become very introverted and
introspective. The symptoms tend to drive people away from social activities and they
become isolated from society.

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia Causes

Scientists still do not know what causes schizophrenia. Many hypothesize that it is the
result of biopsychosocial factors. Most people will tell you that schizophrenia is caused by
genetic and environmental triggers. Some think that traumatic experiences in early years,
exposures to toxins, and brain development abnormalities can contribute to the mental illness. In
the cases of undifferentiated schizophrenia, there could be a variety of dysfunction within the
brain.
For example, in a person with the undifferentiated subtype that experiences many positive
symptoms, it is thought that there may be overactive dopamine receptors. In the case of more
negative symptoms, it is thought that problems with brain circuitry and abnormally low arousal
can contribute to symptoms. Others believe that glutamate plays a key role in all types of
schizophrenia. As you will read, there are a variety of theories, but no conclusive evidence
regarding causes.

Tests and diagnosis

Tests and screenings.These may include a lab test called a complete blood count (CBC),
other blood tests that may help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, and screening for
alcohol and drugs. The doctor may also request imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.

Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider will check mental status by
observing appearance and demeanor and asking about thoughts, moods, delusions,
hallucinations, substance abuse, and potential for violence or suicide.

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia Treatment

Treatment for the undifferentiated subtype totally depends on the symptoms that are
experienced. Typically antipsychotics are utilized in all types of schizophrenia. However, other
augmentation strategies may prove useful if the patient is not responding well to antipsychotic
medications.
1.

Antipsychotics: Initially an individual will be treated with an atypical antipsychotic. The

atypical class tends to carry fewer side effects than the older typical antipsychotics.
However, if a patient isnt having good results with various atypical medications, a
psychiatrist may prescribe a medication from the typical class.

Atypical Antipsychotics
These newer, second-generation medications are generally preferred because they pose a lower
risk of serious side effects than do conventional medications. They include:

Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Asenapine (Saphris)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Iloperidone (Fanapt)
Lurasidone (Latuda)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Paliperidone (Invega)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Conventional, or typical, antipsychotics

These first-generation medications have frequent and potentially significant neurological
side effects, including the possibility of developing a movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia)
that may or may not be reversible. This group of medications includes:

Chlorpromazine
Fluphenazine
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Perphenazine

2.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): If the patient with undifferentiated schizophrenia

does not find relief from traditional treatment options (e.g. medication), electroconvulsive
therapy may be pursued. This involves administering a series of controlled electrical shocks
to the brain to induce a seizure. It is thought that this may help by temporarily adjusting
electrical, brainwave, and neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

3.

Natural treatments: There are various natural remedies for schizophrenia that may help
reduce symptoms. Many natural options come with minimal side effects and have been
proven to help when used as an augmentation to antipsychotics. Natural options typically
consist of antioxidants and amino acids.

4.

Psychotherapy: It may be of great benefit to the individual with schizophrenia to

schedule regular appointments with a licensed psychotherapist. The psychotherapist can help
teach them how to cope with symptoms, set goals, and help them learn how to become more
productive with their condition.

5.

Psychosocial Interventions: This is training that helps the person with undifferentiated
schizophrenia learn various skills that will ultimately help them get a job. Some people may
already have basic skills to function in society, but for individuals that need some additional
assistance, vocational skills training may prove beneficial.
Individual therapy. Learning to cope with stress and identify early warning signs
of relapse can help people with schizophrenia manage their illness.
Social skills training. This focuses on improving communication and social
interactions.
Family therapy. This provides support and education to families dealing with
schizophrenia.
Vocational rehabilitation and supported employment. This focuses on helping
people with schizophrenia prepare for, find and keep jobs.