Skizofrenia, hebephrenia ©

Hebefrenia, a subtype of schizophrenia, emerges during puberty and was first described by German psychiatrist E. Haecker in 1878. It develops gradually, marked by negative personality changes such as emotional detachment, loss of interest, and impaired thinking, leading to academic decline. Patients exhibit disorganized behavior, including bizarre motor activity, impulsive aggression, and disinhibited sexual conduct. Speech becomes distorted, and they may display catatonic episodes, mutism, or stereotypic movements. The condition is often resistant to treatment, progressing over 1–2 years to a stable yet severe form of dementia. A clinical case illustrates a 38‑year‑old man who, after repeated hospitalizations, displayed fragmented thoughts, erratic behavior, and delusional beliefs, ultimately being diagnosed with hebephrenic schizophrenia.