Question

When Ellen speaks, it is difficult to understand what she is trying to say. Her words don't appear to fit together and she jumps from one topic to another, as if following a series of weakly connected associations. Ellen is most clearly exhibiting one of the symptoms of ______ schizophrenia.

a) paranoid
b) disorganized
c) catatonic d) undifferentiated

Answer 1

Ellen exhibiting difficulty in speech coherence and topic continuity is displaying symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia, a subtype known for such speech and behavioral patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Ellen speaks and her words do not appear to fit together, with a tendency to jump from one topic to another as if following a series of weakly connected associations, she is most clearly exhibiting symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia. This subtype of schizophrenia is characterized by disorganized speech and behavior, and difficulty in organizing thoughts. Since the symptoms Ellen shows align with these characteristics—lack of coherence in speech and erratic progression of ideas—disorganized schizophrenia is the appropriate answer.

Such symptoms are indicative of the broader cognitive and emotional disruptions experienced by individuals with schizophrenia. Aside from disorganized symptoms, schizophrenia can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, and negative symptoms like a flattened emotional state, loss of pleasure, and diminished basic drives. The complexity of schizophrenia involves multiple neurotransmitter systems, including dopaminergic neurons and possibly glutamate signaling. Long-term treatment frequently involves the use of antipsychotic medications that decrease dopamine neurotransmission, which necessitates careful management to balance therapeutic benefits against potential side effects.