Rorschach Indices for Discriminating between Two Schizophrenic Syndromes

Abstract

Thinking disturbance and disorder of affects may be different in two subtypes of schizophrenia, the "florid" and the "withdrawal" syndromes. In Exner's approach to the Rorschach system, the diagnostic indicators of disordered thinking may point out large differences not only between schizophrenic and control subjects but also between different types of schizophrenics. The Rorschach protocols of 45 subjects (15 "florid" schizophrenics, 15 "withdrawn" schizophrenics, and 15 controls of the same age and education, matched by sex) were examined on several Exner indices. Compared with the control group, both schizophrenic types confirmed an impairment of perceptual accuracy and of reality testing as well as a reduced emotional control. Compared with the "withdrawn" group, the "florid" schizophrenic subjects showed significantly higher indices of poor perceptual functioning, of an inadequate organizational activity (more Whole and Z responses characterized by negative Form Quality) and greater disordered ideational production.

Rorschach Characteristics and Comparison of First-Episode Psychotic Patients in Finland and Spain

“…The patients showed serious processing and mediational problems (Zd, Lambda, X-%, X+%) that contribute to difficulties in adjustment. The high amount of mediational problems found in the patients of this study confirm, as expected, the well-established results of earlier studies of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (Archer & Gordon, 1988;Exner, 1986Exner, , 1991Di Nuovo et al, 1988;Hilsenroth et al, 1998;Mason et al, 1985).…”

“…In terms of coping style, nearly half of the patients in this study showed an ambitent coping style, one third being extratensives and one fifth introversives. These results are in line with the results of a study by Di Nuovo et al (1988), but are in contrast to the results of Exner (1986Exner ( , 1991.…”

“…The lack of interest in others (H < 2) and feeling uncomfortable in interpersonal relationships may be related to the lack of coping skills in social situations. This kind of disinterest in and/or difficulty identifying with other people has been reported in a number of studies concerning schizophrenia (Di Nuovo et al, 1988;Exner, 1986Exner, , 1991Mason et al, 1985). When expressed, the interest in others, as well as the self-concept, seems to be, in many cases, immature and tends to be somewhat regressively based on fantasy or wish more than on reality (H < (H) + Hd + (Hd).…”

Cognitive Deficits in Patients with First-Episode Psychosis as Identified by Exner’s Schizophrenia Index in Finland and Spain

“…It can be argued that this had an impact on the results as the patients were no longer openly psychotic, i.e., their hallucinatory and/or delusional behavior had ceased. The tendency within studies relating to the SCZI seems to have been that administration takes place within the first week of admission for treatment (Archer & Gordon, 1988; Di Nuovo, Laicardi, & Tobino, 1988; Edell, 1987; Hilsenroth et al, 1998; Mason et al, 1985). Recent research, however, suggests that when the Rorschach is given to patients who are in an acute psychotic condition, the results may be quite misleading.…”

Mirroring Activity in the Brain and Movement Determinant in the Rorschach Test

“…M has also been associated with sensory deprivation (Bendick & Klopfer, 1964), electromyography-based muscle potentials (Steele & Kahn, 1969), ability to discriminate florid and withdrawn schizophrenics from healthy subjects (Di Nuovo, Laicardi, & Tobino, 1988), and symptom improvement after psychotherapy (Exner & Andronikof-Sanglade, 1992;Weiner & Exner, 1991).…”