Types of schizophrenia

There are several types of schizophrenia.

Paranoid schizophrenia

This is the most common type of schizophrenia. It may develop later in life than other forms. Symptoms include hallucinations and/or delusions, but your speech and emotions may not be affected.

Hebephrenic schizophrenia

Also known as ‘disorganised schizophrenia’, this type of schizophrenia typically develops when you’re 15-25 years old. Symptoms include disorganised behaviours and thoughts, alongside short-lasting delusions and hallucinations. You may have disorganised speech patterns and others may find it difficult to understand you.

People living with disorganised schizophrenia often show little or no emotions in their facial expressions, voice tone, or mannerisms.

Catatonic schizophrenia

This is the rarest schizophrenia diagnosis, characterised by unusual, limited and sudden movements. You may often switch between being very active or very still. You may not talk much, and you may mimic other’s speech and movement.

Undifferentiated schizophrenia

Your diagnosis may have some signs of paranoid, hebephrenic or catatonic schizophrenia, but it doesn’t obviously fit into one of these types alone.

Residual schizophrenia

You may be diagnosed with residual schizophrenia if you have a history of psychosis, but only experience the negative symptoms (such as slow movement, poor memory, lack of concentration and poor hygiene).

Simple schizophrenia

Simple schizophrenia is rarely diagnosed in the UK. Negative symptoms (such as slow movement, poor memory, lack of concentration and poor hygiene) are most prominent early and worsen, while positive symptoms (such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking) are rarely experienced.

Cenesthopathic schizophrenia

People with cenesthopathic schizophrenia experience unusual bodily sensations.

Unspecified schizophrenia

Symptoms meet the general conditions for a diagnosis but do not fit into any of the above categories.