Signs and symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia fall into several categories of disorganized thinking and behaviors, including:

• Disorganized thinking. With disorganized thinking, you can't form logical or coherent thoughts. This disorganization is also noticeable in your speech patterns. You may not be able to stay on track in a conversation, instead jumping from one unrelated idea to another. Your disorganized speaking is so severe that it may appear garbled and unintelligible to others, and you may make up words. These same disorganized patterns are evident in your written communication.
• Grossly disorganized behavior. The disorganized behavior of this type of schizophrenia is severe and causes significant impairment in your ability to function in regular daily activities. You may not be able to bathe, dress appropriately or prepare meals, for instance. You may have unprovoked agitation or confrontations, wear many layers of clothes on a warm day, appear disheveled or engage in sexual behavior in public.
• Absent or inappropriate emotional expression. When you lack emotional expression (flat affect), your face appears blank. You don't make eye contact or display common body language. Although you may occasionally show some emotion, your range of expression is usually very limited. Sometimes you may have emotions that are inappropriate to the situation, such as acting silly or laughing loudly during a serious event.

Other signs and symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia
Although the main symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia are disorganized thinking and behavior, you may also have some of the other common signs and symptoms of schizophrenia, such as:

• Having beliefs not based on reality (delusions)
• Seeing or hearing things that don't exist (hallucinations), especially voices
• Grimacing
• Odd postures
• Trouble functioning at school or work
• Social isolation
• Clumsy, uncoordinated movements

When to see a doctor
If you have any symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia, seek medical help as soon as possible. Disorganized schizophrenia doesn't get better on its own, and may worsen without treatment. However, if you're like most people with disorganized schizophrenia, you may not recognize that you need help. Family and friends, or people at work or school, may be the ones who initially suggest you seek help.

If you're reluctant to seek treatment, try to work up the courage to confide in someone, whether it's a friend or loved one, a health care professional, a faith leader or someone else you trust. He or she can help you take the first steps to successful treatment.

Helping someone who may have disorganized schizophrenia
If you have a loved one you think may have symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia, have an open and honest discussion about your concerns, if possible. You may not be able to force someone to seek professional help, but you can offer encouragement and support and help your loved one find a qualified doctor or mental health provider.

If your loved one poses a danger to himself or herself or to someone else, you may need to call the police or other emergency responders for help. In some cases, emergency hospitalization may be needed. Laws on involuntary commitment for mental health treatment vary by state.

Suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common when you have schizophrenia. If you're considering suicide right now and have the means available, talk to someone now. The best choice is to call 911 or your local emergency services number. If you simply don't want to do that, for whatever reason, you have other choices for reaching out to someone:

• Contact a family member or friend
• Contact a doctor, mental health provider or other health care professional
• Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community
• Go to your local hospital emergency room
• Call a crisis center or hot line

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It's not known what causes disorganized schizophrenia. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that disorganized schizophrenia and other forms of schizophrenia are caused by brain dysfunction. Why and how that brain dysfunction occurs is still under investigation, though.

It's thought that an interaction of genetics and environment may lead to this brain dysfunction. Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters also may contribute to disorganized schizophrenia. Imaging studies show differences in the brain structure of people with schizophrenia, but researchers aren't yet sure about the significance of these changes.

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Although the precise cause of disorganized schizophrenia isn't known, researchers have identified certain factors that seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering disorganized schizophrenia, including:

• Having a family history of schizophrenia
• Exposure to viruses while in the womb
• Malnutrition while in the womb
• Stressful life circumstances
• Trauma or abuse during childhood
• Older paternal age
• Taking psychoactive drugs during adolescence

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, schizophrenia affects about 1 percent of the population, and disorganized schizophrenia affects an even smaller percentage. Schizophrenia typically becomes apparent between the teenage years and the mid-30s, but disorganized schizophrenia tends to appear on the early end.

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Left untreated, disorganized schizophrenia can result in severe emotional, behavioral, health, and even legal and financial problems that affect every area of your life. Complications that disorganized schizophrenia may cause or be associated with include:

• Suicidal thoughts and behavior
• Self-destructive behavior
• Inability to perform daily activities, such as bathing, dressing or preparing meals
• Frequent hospitalizations
• Depression
• Abuse of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications
• Poverty
• Homelessness
• Incarceration
• Family conflicts
• Inability to work or attend school
• Being a victim or perpetrator of violent crime
• Heart and lung disease related to smoking

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In some cases, a health care provider, family member, friend or another acquaintance may ask about your behavior, thoughts and mood or suggest that you be evaluated by a mental health provider. Or you may decide on your own to schedule an appointment with your family doctor or mental health provider to talk about your concerns. In other cases, especially if you're in a state of agitation or behaving erratically in public, you may be taken to a hospital for an emergency psychiatric evaluation. But when possible, try to be an active and willing participant in your own care.

What you can do
Being an active participant in your care can help your efforts to manage your condition. One way to do this is by preparing for a planned medical or psychiatric appointment, if this is possible. Think about your needs and goals for treatment. Also, write down a list of questions to ask. These questions may include:

• Why do you think I have disorganized schizophrenia?
• How do you treat disorganized schizophrenia?
• How can treatment help me?
• Are there medications that might help?
• Will psychotherapy help?
• How long will treatment take?
• What can I do to help myself?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? Or can you recommend reliable Web sites to visit?

In addition to your prepared questions, don't hesitate to ask questions at any time during your appointment if you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor
During your appointment, your doctor or mental health provider is likely to ask you a number of questions about your thoughts, behavior and mood. You may be asked such questions as:

• When did you first notice symptoms?
• How is your daily life affected by your symptoms?
• Do you hear or see things other people don't seem to?
• Do you have certain powers that other people don't?
• What have you tried on your own to feel better or to control your symptoms?
• What things make you feel worse?
• Have family members or friends commented on your thoughts or behavior?
• Have any relatives had a mental illness?
• What medications or over-the-counter herbs and supplements do you take?

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If your doctor or mental health provider believes you may have disorganized schizophrenia or another mental illness, he or she typically runs a series of medical and psychological tests and exams. These can help pinpoint a diagnosis, rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms and check for any related complications.

These exams and tests generally include:

• Physical exam. This may include measuring height and weight, checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, listening to your heart and lungs, and examining your abdomen.
• Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), screening for alcohol and drugs, and a check of your thyroid function.
• Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. He or she will ask about your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, how they affect your daily life and whether you've had similar episodes in the past. You'll also discuss any thoughts you may have of suicide, self-harm or harming others. Your doctor may also want to talk to family or friends, if possible.

Diagnostic criteria for disorganized schizophrenia
To be diagnosed with disorganized schizophrenia, you must meet certain symptom criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

Diagnostic criteria for disorganized schizophrenia include:

• Disorganized speech
• Disorganized behavior
• Lack of emotion
• Emotion inappropriate for the situation

It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose disorganized schizophrenia, especially because different conditions can have similar symptoms. Be sure to stick with it, though, so that you can get appropriate treatment.

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Disorganized schizophrenia is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment, even during periods when you feel better and your symptoms have subsided. Treatment can be challenging because you may feel as if you don't need treatment, and you may refuse to follow treatment recommendations. But effective treatment can help you take control of your condition and enjoy a happier and healthier life.

Treatment options are generally similar for all types of schizophrenia. But the specific treatment approach that's best for you depends on your particular situation and the severity of your symptoms.

Treatment teams
Disorganized schizophrenia treatment is usually guided by a psychiatrist skilled in treating the condition. But you may have others on your treatment team as well because the condition can affect so many areas of your life. Your treatment team can help make sure that you're getting all of the treatment you need and that your care is coordinated among all of your health care providers.

The team involved in treatment of disorganized schizophrenia may include your:

• Family or primary care doctor
• Psychiatrist
• Psychotherapist
• Pharmacist
• Family members
• Case worker
• Psychiatric nurse
• Social worker

Main treatment options
The main treatments for disorganized schizophrenia are:

• Medications
• Hospitalization
• Psychotherapy
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• Vocational skills training

Medications for disorganized schizophrenia
Medications are the cornerstone of disorganized schizophrenia treatment. Among the medications most commonly prescribed for disorganized schizophrenia are:

• First-generation (typical) antipsychotics. These medications are thought to control symptoms by affecting brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These medications have traditionally been very effective in managing such symptoms as hallucinations and delusions. These medications, however, have frequent and potentially severe neurological side effects, including the possibility of tardive dyskinesia, or involuntary jerking movements. Typical antipsychotics, especially generic versions, are often cheaper than are their newer counterparts, which can be an important consideration when long-term treatment is necessary.
• Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. These newer antipsychotic medications are effective at managing hallucinations, delusions and other symptoms, such as loss of motivation and lack of emotion. Atypical antipsychotic medications pose a risk of metabolic side effects, including weight gain, diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Other medications. It's common to have other mental health issues along with disorganized schizophrenia. Antidepressants can be helpful if you have symptoms of depression. Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful if you have symptoms of anxiety or agitation. And mood-stabilizing medications may help with aggression or hostility.

Choosing a medication
In general, the goal of treatment with antipsychotic medications is to effectively control signs and symptoms at the lowest possible dosage. Which medication is best for you depends on your individual situation. It can take several weeks after first starting a medication to notice an improvement in your symptoms.

If one medication doesn't work well for you or has intolerable side effects, your doctor may recommend combining medications, switching to a different medication or adjusting your dosage. Don't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor, even if you're feeling better. You may have a relapse of symptoms if you stop taking your medication. In addition, antipsychotic medication needs to be tapered off, rather than stopped abruptly, to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Medication side effects and risks
All antipsychotic medications have side effects and possible health risks. Certain antipsychotic medications may increase the risk of diabetes, weight gain, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, for instance. Others can cause dangerous changes in your white blood cell count or cause health problems in older adults.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about all of the possible side effects and about being routinely checked for health problems while you take these medications. Antipsychotic medications can also have dangerous interactions with other substances. Tell your doctors about all medications and over-the-counter substances you take, including vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.

Hospitalization for disorganized schizophrenia
During crisis periods or times of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary. This can help ensure your own safety and that of others, and make sure that you're getting proper nutrition, sleep and hygiene. Partial hospitalization and residential care also may be options.

Psychotherapy for disorganized schizophrenia
Although medications are the cornerstone of disorganized schizophrenia treatment, psychotherapy also is important. Psychotherapy may not be appropriate for everyone, though, especially if symptoms are too severe to engage in a therapeutic process that requires two-way communication. Psychotherapy may include:

• Individual therapy. Psychotherapy with a skilled mental health provider can help you learn ways to cope with the distress and daily life challenges brought on by having a chronic mental illness like disorganized schizophrenia. Therapy can help improve communication skills, your ability to perform routine daily activities, relationships, your ability to work and your motivation to stick to your treatment plan. Learning about disorganized schizophrenia can help you understand it better, cope with lingering symptoms, and understand the importance of taking your medications. Therapy also can help you cope with stigma surrounding disorganized schizophrenia. There are many types of psychotherapy that may be useful, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Family therapy. Both you and your family may benefit from therapy that provides support and education to families. Your symptoms have a better chance of improving if your family members understand your illness, can recognize stressful situations that might trigger a relapse, and can help you stick to your treatment plan. Family therapy can also help you and your family communicate better with each other and understand family conflicts. Family therapy also can help family members cope and reduce their distress about your condition.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for disorganized schizophrenia
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure in which electric currents are passed through your brain to trigger a brief seizure. This seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can reduce symptoms of certain mental illnesses such as disorganized schizophrenia. ECT may be an option for you if your symptoms are severe or if medications haven't helped. Deciding whether electroconvulsive therapy is a good option for you can be extremely difficult. Make sure you understand all the pros and cons.

Social and vocational skills training for disorganized schizophrenia
Training in social and vocational skills to live independently is an important part of recovery from disorganized schizophrenia. With the help of a therapist, you can learn such skills as good hygiene, cooking and better communication. Many communities have programs that can help you with jobs, housing, self-help groups and crisis situations. If you don't have a case manager to help you with these services, ask your doctors about getting one.

Treatment challenges in disorganized schizophrenia
When you have appropriate treatment and stick to your treatment plan, you have a good chance of leading a productive life and functioning well in daily activities. But be prepared for challenges that can interfere with treatment.

For one thing, you, like many others with schizophrenia, may find it hard to follow your treatment plan. You may believe that you don't need medications or other treatment. Also, if you're not thinking clearly, you may forget to take your medications or to go to therapy appointments. Talk to your doctors about tips to stick to your treatment plan. Even with good treatment, you may have a relapse. Have a plan in place to deal with a relapse.

Smoking, and often heavy smoking, is common when you have schizophrenia. Some evidence suggests that smoking improves thinking and concentration in schizophrenia. But smoking can interfere with certain medications. Be honest with your doctors about your smoking habits. And be sure you understand the serious health risks of smoking.

Similarly, using alcohol and drugs can make disorganized schizophrenia symptoms worse. If you have a problem with alcohol or substance abuse, you may benefit from treatment programs that include care for both schizophrenia and substance abuse.

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Disorganized schizophrenia isn't an illness that you can treat on your own. But you can do some things for yourself that will build on your treatment plan:

• Take your medications as directed. Even if you're feeling well, resist any temptation to skip your medications. If you stop, schizophrenia symptoms are likely to come back.
• Pay attention to warning signs. You and your caregivers may have identified things that may trigger your disorganized schizophrenia symptoms, cause a relapse or prevent you from carrying out your daily activities. Make a plan so that you know what to do if symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel. Involve family members or friends in watching for warning signs. Addressing schizophrenia symptoms early on can prevent the situation from worsening.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and illicit drugs can worsen schizophrenia symptoms. Get appropriate treatment for a substance abuse problem.
• Check first before taking other medications. Contact the doctor who's treating you for disorganized schizophrenia before you take medications prescribed by another doctor or before taking any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals or supplements. These can interact with your schizophrenia medications.

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Coping with an illness as serious as disorganized schizophrenia can be challenging. Medications can have unwanted side effects, and you may feel angry or resentful about having a condition that requires lifelong treatment. During periods when you feel better, you may be tempted to stop treatment, which can trigger a relapse. Here are some ways to cope with disorganized schizophrenia:

• Learn about disorganized schizophrenia. Education about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.
• Join a support group. Support groups for people with schizophrenia can help you reach out to others facing similar challenges.
• Stay focused on your goals. Recovery from disorganized schizophrenia is an ongoing process. Stay motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind. Remind yourself that you're responsible for managing your illness and working toward your goals.
• Find healthy outlets. Explore healthy ways to channel your energy, such as hobbies, exercise and recreational activities.
• Learn relaxation and stress management. Try such stress-reduction techniques as meditation, yoga or tai chi.
• Structure your time. Plan your day and activities. Try to stay organized. You may find it helpful to make a list of daily tasks.

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There's no sure way to prevent disorganized schizophrenia. Evidence shows that some signs of schizophrenia may be present from early childhood or even infancy. Early identification and treatment for people at risk of schizophrenia, perhaps starting in childhood, may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may help improve the long-term outlook. Also, sticking with your treatment plan can help prevent relapses or worsening of disorganized schizophrenia symptoms.

©1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.