What type of schizophrenia is characterized by total withdrawal and lack of movement?

The type of schizophrenia characterized by total withdrawal and lack of movement is catatonic schizophrenia. This form of the disorder is often marked by distinct motor disruptions, which can manifest as a stark decrease in response to the environment. Individuals may show a lack of voluntary movement, remaining in a fixed position for extended periods, or exhibit peculiar movements and postures.

Catatonic symptoms can include catalepsy, where a person may maintain a rigid posture for a long time, or stupor, in which they are unresponsive and exhibit a lack of movement altogether. This withdrawal from the external world signifies a profound impact of the disorder on the individual’s ability to interact and engage with their environment.

In contrast, paranoid schizophrenia is primarily defined by delusions and hallucinations, particularly paranoid themes. Disorganized schizophrenia features disorganized speech and behavior, rather than motor disturbances. Residual schizophrenia refers to a phase where the more severe symptoms decrease in intensity but some aspects of the disorder may still be present, leading to a less defined behavioral pattern compared to catatonic schizophrenia. Understanding these distinctions highlights how catatonic schizophrenia stands apart due to its unique motoric abnormalities.