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Defining Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

Defining Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder that is defined by the breakup of the relationship that is formed between the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of an individual often leading to symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive difficulties. But what is undifferentiated schizophrenia? It is one of schizophrenia’s subtypes but now it is an outdated definition and we’ll tell you why in the words below while also highlighting undifferentiated schizophrenia symptoms in the process:

What is Undifferentiated Schizophrenia?

Undifferentiated schizophrenia is an outdated term for a type of schizophrenia in which a person meets the criteria for the disorder but cannot be classified into just one of its four subtypes. Now it has all been combined into one – schizophrenia! Many mental healthcare providers still use this one to describe schizophrenia symptoms that cannot be identified even though it is no longer listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

You see, until 2013, schizophrenia was divided into five subtypes, one of which was called “undifferentiated schizophrenia.” It basically defined that you do indeed meet the criteria for a schizophrenia diagnosis but don’t fit neatly into a specific subtype. To elaborate more, it essentially meant that affected individuals were exhibiting symptoms of the disorder (like hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech), but they essentially did not meet the full criteria for one of the schizophrenia subtypes (e.g., paranoid, catatonic, or disorganized), essentially elaborating undifferentiated schizophrenia symptoms in the process.

The disorder was often persistent and stable in terms of symptoms as there were instances of on-and-off symptoms. Research from 1991 covering this subtype of schizophrenia did suggest that people affected with this type often displayed or had an earlier history of behavioral difficulties (Fenton & McGlashan, 1991).

People with schizophrenia often display postive (symptoms that add to the experience such as hallucinations and delusions but do not affect their everyday life) and negative symptoms (which essentially affect their everyday life such as social avoidance behavior that is common in schizophrenia.

Read More: Understanding Borderline Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What are the other subtypes that are no longer in DSM-5?

In the DSM-3 and the DSM-4 versions of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), schizophrenia was divided into 4 subtypes that included undifferentiated schizophrenia.

  • Paranoid type: People who have paranoid schizophrenia tend to display predominantly positive symptoms of schizophrenia, like delusions and hallucinations. Negative symptoms such as catatonia (inability to move), a flat emotional state, or out-of-context emotional reactions are rare occurrences of this type.
  • Disorganized type: Disorganized aka hebephrenic schizophrenia, is defined by disorganized behavior and speech and involves disturbances in emotional expression such as a flat emotional state. Hallucinations and delusions are non-existent or much less severe in this type of schizophrenia.
  • Catatonic type: This type involves severe psychomotor or severe cognitive disturbances, like being unresponsive to the environment even when awake.
  • Residual type: This is where the affected individual has at least one episode of schizophrenia but no longer experiences significant positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) or disorganized speech or behavior.

Why the Term Is No Longer Used?

The most recent edition of the DSM (DSM-5) no longer includes any of the five subtypes of schizophrenia for a range of different reasons and that includes the exclusion of undifferentiated schizophrenia. First of all, it does not represent the variety of ways in which the condition can present itself. Secondly, they weren’t any good at informing about treatment approaches or predicting the course of the condition. Third, many individuals did not continue to meet the criteria of their subtype over time and that radically changed the diagnosis lastly, some people’s symptoms did not fit any of the subtypes, not even in the undifferentiated schizophrenia (Mattila et al., 2015).

Additionally, undifferentiated schizophrenia was an “other” category of schizophrenia that could cluster a variety of very different cases under one diagnosis. Plus, residual schizophrenia narrowly allowed a diagnosis even if the symptoms weren’t all that striking and according to the criteria of schizophrenia. Both subtypes were essentially problematic as they often led to misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatment, especially due to the schizophrenia undifferentiated type. This must’ve caused a lot of anxiety for professionals back in the day!

Read More: Causes of Schizophrenia: Is Schizophrenia Genetic?

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia Causes

Undifferentiated schizophrenia causes are the same as general schizophrenia. Researchers think that different variables combine to cause schizophrenia, which include:

Genetics: This means the affected individual will have a family history of schizophrenia. A mix of genetic changes that interact with the phenotypes that exist in the environment, increasing in likelihood with the existence of other risk factors. About 10% of people with a parent or sibling with schizophrenia have a likelihood of developing the condition.

The Architecture of Your Brain: These include differences between brain chemistry, function, and structure and addition to that how regions of the brain communicate and act, other changes to networks of neurons, and problems with brain chemicals (that may have been caused by an injury), such as the neurotransmitters glutamate and dopamine.

Environment: Exposure to malnutrition or viruses while in the womb, living in poverty, having stressful surroundings, or having an autoimmune condition are all examples of environmental factors.

Substance use: Using recreational or mind-altering drugs or marijuana, especially frequently and as a teenager or young adult can increase the chances of schizophrenia affliction.

Read More: The Association of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia Treatment

As with the causes, undifferentiated schizophrenia treatment also is the same as it is for general schizophrenia (the one whose criterion is according to DSM-V). As there is no cure for schizophrenia, treatment is the only option via medication, family support, and psychosocial rehabilitation therapies through which affected individuals can reduce and manage their symptoms.

Common treatment options for schizophrenia include:

Antipsychotic medication is the most common treatment for schizophrenia. Examples include but are not limited to Zyprexa (olanzapine), Risperdal; Risvan (risperidone), and Seroquel (quetiapine). However, keep in mind the side effects of antipsychotics like weight gain or dry mouth. Additionally, schizophrenic patients are often prescribed mood stabilizers (which are used for mood disorders like bipolar) such as Lithobid (lithium) or Depakote (divalproex sodium) and even antidepressants, for example, Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) which are used for depression aka Major Depressive Disorder. For a better overview, perhaps try medication management.

Psychotherapy such as Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of ongoing therapy that can be effective in treating many psychiatric conditions like specific phobia and undifferentiated schizophrenia.

With CBT, people who have schizophrenia can learn to identify negative and problematic thought patterns and learn how to challenge them and change their thoughts and their accompanying behaviors with the help of a mental health professional who talks to them. It is short-term and goal-based.

Read More: A Guide To Understand Catatonic Schizophrenia

Wrapping Up!

We have talked about a lot of stuff here. We defined undifferentiated schizophrenia and how it’s no longer in use for diagnosing the said mental illness. Obviously you are now wondering about treatment if you have already read through it all and if that’s the thing you want then we at Orange Coast Psychiatry are here to provide you that along with alternative options such as telehealth psychiatry for not only treating the mental condition such as schizophrenia but also others like ADHD, GAD and Acute Stress. Waiting for your appointment!

Frequently Asked Questions

Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in the late teens years to early thirties although it varies according to gender. 

Drugs and alcohol. 

It is genetic and also tends to be hereditary!

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Fenton WS, McGlashan TH. Natural History of Schizophrenia Subtypes: I. Longitudinal Study of Paranoid, Hebephrenic, and Undifferentiated Schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1991;48(11):969–977. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1991.01810350009002
  2. Mattila T, Koeter M, Wohlfarth T, Storosum J, van den Brink W, de Haan L, Derks E, Leufkens H, Denys D. Impact of DSM-5 changes on the diagnosis and acute treatment of schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull. 2015 May;41(3):637-43. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbu172. Epub 2014 Dec 20. PMID: 25528758; PMCID: PMC4393695.

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Defining Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder that is defined by the breakup of the relationship that is formed between the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of an individual often leading to symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive difficulties. But what is undifferentiated schizophrenia? It is one of schizophrenia’s subtypes but now

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Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.

“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.