hebephrenic schizophrenia

n. An archaic term for disorganized schizophrenia, which is characterized by disorganized speech and behavior and by inappropriate affect. The speech of individuals with this disorder is often incoherent and accompanied by laughter or silly gestures unrelated to the content of the speech. Individuals with this disorder are unable to perform daily self-care or follow a course of action. The onset of this disorder is usually in adolescence and the course is insidious, usually without periods of remission.