A patient is diagnosed with one of the subtypes of schizophrenia based on the most pronounced symptoms at the time of diagnosis. This may change over time, and the patient's symptoms change. Over a lifetime, one person may be diagnosed with several different subtypes of schizophrenia.

Paranoid Schizophrenia

This is the kind of schizophrenia that most people are familiar with. The symptoms are primarily a strong sense of paranoia, along with delusions and auditory hallucinations (hearing voices). Though the specific theme of the delusions will vary from person to person, but the overlying sense of persecution and conspiracy is constant. Other types of delusions can include an unreasonable sense of importance as well as irrational mood swings.

Those who suffer with paranoid schizophrenia are often able to maintain a relatively normal life, possibly because these symptoms tend to appear later in life when proper social behaviors are already established. These symptoms are also easier to hide because there are no outward or physical behaviors associated with this kind of schizophrenia.

Disorganized Schizophrenia

Disorganized schizophrenia is characterized by confusing thoughts, and disorganized behavior. Delusions are not as prominent with this type of the disease. Communication can be incoherent, emotional reactions are usually blunted or inappropriate, and simple daily activities (such as dressing) are difficult to complete. This kind of schizophrenia has also been called hebephrenic schizophrenia.

Catatonic Schizophrenia

The most notable symptom of catatonic schizophrenia is the disturbance of movement. This can mean that a patient is virtually immobile and will resist any attempt at motion. Besides a lack of movement, catatonic schizophrenics may also intentionally take unusual body positions or make repetitive motions that serve no purpose. Another symptom in this category is the mimicking of others movements or repeating what another person says.

Undifferentiated Schizophrenia

This is a catch-all category for those with schizophrenic symptoms that don't neatly fall into one of the above categories. Due to the changing nature of schizophrenia, it's quite common that someone will be diagnosed this way at some point.

Residual Schizophrenia

Once the symptoms begin to diminish, a person can be classed as having residual schizophrenia. This doesn't mean the symptoms are gone, just reduced when compared to the more acute stage of the disease. People may be able to maintain a functioning lifestyle but may also still require occasional hospitalization and treatment.