Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder that affects both men and women; however, according to the National Institutes of Health, men develop schizophrenia earlier than women. The average age of onset is 45, though in rare cases, children as young as 5 can also develop schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects about 1 percent of the world's population. Disorganized schizophrenia is one of the five types of schizophrenia; patients who have disorganized schizophrenia have characteristically disordered thoughts. Treatments for disorganized schizophrenia include different types of medication, as well as therapy and education.
Symptoms
According to the National Institutes of Health, "schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional response and to behave normally in social situations." Psychosis symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia include disordered thinking, hallucinations, delusions and a flat affect. According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms last for at least 6 months; however, symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia last much longer than 6 months.
Antipsychotic and Neuroleptic Medication
Antipsychotic and neuroleptic medications are often used to treat disorganized schizophrenia. Both of these medications work by changing the balance of the brain chemicals, thus controlling the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the National Institutes of Health notes that antipsychotic and neuroleptic medications cause side effects in patients. These side effects include muscle contractions, problems with movement, feeling restless, weight gain and sleepiness. While the side effects can be annoying, patients should not stop taking the medications without talking to their doctors first.
Atypical Antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics are an alternative to antipsychotic and neuroleptic medications; atypical antipsychotics are a newer form of medication for disorganized schizophrenia. However, the National Institutes of Health points out the atypical antipsychotics work similarly to other schizophrenia medications but without the side effects.
Psychoeducation
According to the National Institutes of Health, psychoeducation can be helpful for family members to help schizophrenia patients. Psychoeducation combines support and education; if schizophrenia patients do not have a support network or family support, psychoeducation includes outreach and community support services.
Behavioral Techniques
Behavioral techniques can help control the symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia without the use of medication. According to the National Institutes of Health, behavioral techniques include social skills training and therapy. The social skills training helps schizophrenic patients function at work and in social situations. Therapy can help manage symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia.
