Question:

Which of the following types of schizophrenia carries a bad prognosis?

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Think of the subtype with early onset and disorganised behaviour.
Updated On: Jul 7, 2026
  • Paranoid
  • Catatonic
  • Hebephrenic
  • Undifferentiated
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to identify which subtype of schizophrenia is known to carry a poor prognosis.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Prognosis in schizophrenia subtypes depends largely on age of onset, presence of clear precipitating factors, predominance of positive versus negative symptoms, and premorbid social functioning. Subtypes with early onset, poor premorbid adjustment and prominent negative or disorganised symptoms carry a worse outlook.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Paranoid schizophrenia usually has a later age of onset, better premorbid functioning, and is dominated by positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations with relatively preserved personality, so it carries a comparatively good prognosis.
Catatonic schizophrenia, marked by motor disturbances such as stupor or excitement, generally responds well to treatment, including benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy when needed, giving a relatively better outcome.
Hebephrenic schizophrenia (also called disorganised schizophrenia) has an early onset, insidious course, disorganised speech and behaviour, and flattened or inappropriate affect, with poor premorbid adjustment. These features together are associated with a bad long term prognosis.
Undifferentiated schizophrenia is a mixed category not fitting neatly into other subtypes, and its prognosis is generally considered intermediate rather than clearly poor.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Hebephrenic schizophrenia is the subtype that carries a bad prognosis, given its early onset, disorganised presentation and poor premorbid functioning.
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