Schizophrenia simplex is a rare subtype of schizophrenia. It differs from other forms of schizophrenia mainly by the absence of positive symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. The course of this form is very gradual and the symptoms usually appear diffuse.
It presents itself with strange behavior, limited fulfillment of social demands or a general reduction in performance. Since this process is progressive but very slow, the diagnosis of schizophrenia simplex is extremely difficult. For this reason, many psychiatrists recommend that the diagnosis should not be made.
Causes
Basically, the search for the causes of schizophrenia and also the subtype of schizophrenia simplex is based on a so-called multifactorial genesis, which means that different factors must interact to lead to the development of the disease. In addition to genetic changes, external factors such as lifestyle, development or stress are also involved. An often cited model to explain the development of mental diseases like schizophrenia simplex is the vulnerability-stress-coping model. In summary, it states that mental illness can be triggered by acute or chronic stress, provided that a susceptibility or vulnerability has already existed before. The latter causes that the acute stress situation cannot be dealt with (coping), which can lead to the development of the mental illness.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of schizophrenia simplex is extremely complicated, even for specialists. This is due to two different factors. Firstly, the disease progresses very slowly and it can take years before the first symptoms are even noticed.
The second factor is the fact that Schizophrenia simplex only has negative symptoms. This means that it does not involve new behavior, expression or experience (positive symptoms), but rather flattens out existing ones. This leads to social withdrawal, a drop in performance, depressive moods, and even to neglect. For a diagnosis of this schizophreniform, the existing symptoms must have existed for at least one year. However, since this clinical picture is difficult to distinguish from other diseases, such as depression, and there is no therapy, many experts advise against making a diagnosis of schizophrenia simplex at all.
