What Disorganized Behavior May Signify For Mental Health
Disorganized behavior can take various forms, depending on its cause. This term can refer to relatively harmless disorganization as a personality trait, as a symptom of a mental health condition like ADHD or depression, or as part of clinically categorized inconsistent behaviors characteristic of schizophrenia. See below to learn more about the various definitions and respective causes of this type of behavior to understand what it might mean if you notice it in yourself or a loved one.
Defining disorganized behavior
There are two main ways to define disorganized behavior. The first is the more colloquial definition referring to difficulties staying organized or motivated enough to adequately perform daily life tasks. This can range from someone who naturally keeps a messy home, doesn’t always make it to appointments on time, and frequently misplaces things to someone who has trouble keeping a safe, clean living space for themselves and engaging in basic hygiene because of mental health challenges.
The other definition of disorganized behavior is more specific and clinical. The American Psychological Association defines this as “behavior that is self-contradictory or inconsistent” and is typically associated with schizophrenia. Examples of this behavior can include things like:
- Unusual actions, potentially ranging from childlike silliness to violence and aggression
- Unpredictable and often unprovoked agitation
- Inappropriate emotional reactions, such as laughing after a tragedy
- Disorganized speech (trouble staying on topic, jumping from one to another)
- Garbled, unintelligible speech, in severe cases
- Excessive and/or unusual movements which may or may not be repetitive
- Not responding when spoken to or asked a question
What are the causes or risk factors of disorganized behavior
As the manifestations of disorganized behavior can vary widely, so can the causes.
For instance, someone with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might have trouble keeping track of assignments, finishing projects, or maintaining an organized living space due to “deficits in persistence” caused by the condition, per a 2020 study. Or, someone experiencing grief, a depressive episode of bipolar disorder, moderate to severe depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for example, could find it difficult to tidy up or properly care for their basic needs as a result of symptoms like fatigue, loss of interest, and sadness.
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Delusions, hallucinations, and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
When it comes to disorganized behavior in the clinical sense, it can be a sign of schizophrenia, as mentioned above. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. While experiencing symptoms, a person with schizophrenia may appear to others as if they’ve lost touch with reality, which can make daily functioning and personal relationships extremely difficult when untreated. Disorganized behavior in schizophrenia usually takes the form of thoughts, speech, and behaviors that are illogical or incoherent to others. It may occur alongside other “positive” symptoms of this illness such as delusions, hallucinations, and/or catatonic behavior, as well as “negative” symptoms such as having very low energy, losing interest in daily activities, and wanting to avoid others.
How to manage disorganized behavior
Disorganized behavior by any definition can interfere with a person’s daily functioning, so interventions are often helpful. The type of intervention that will work best, of course, depends on the cause of the behavior.
When learned or a result of personality
Some people learn disorganized behaviors from their upbringing, while others naturally exhibit some relatively harmless levels of them due to natural personality factors. If this is your situation and these behaviors are causing you problems with daily functioning, there are a few solutions you can try to sharpen your organizational skills. One option is working with a life coach or a therapist. They can help you put systems in place that can help you stay on track. For those who prefer self-learning, there are a plethora of self-help books, videos, and podcasts out there related to organization that you may find useful.
When caused by mental health concerns besides schizophrenia
As detailed above, there are a variety of mental health concerns and conditions that could lead to a person having trouble with organization in their daily life. The best type of support for these challenges depends on their cause. In general, however, a trained therapist can usually help individuals address the mental health concerns they may be facing. Some form of therapy is the first-line recommended treatment for most mental health conditions, so connecting with a provider can be a helpful first step toward living a more organized life. They can help with things like:
- Coping with frustration or shame related to disorganized tendencies
- Creating systems to help you be more organized
- Learning to recognize and shift distorted thoughts that may be contributing to distress
- Providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can express your emotions
- Discovering healthy coping mechanisms for difficult feelings or symptoms
When caused by schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that can result in harm to the individual or those around them if left untreated. Treatment can also significantly improve the individual’s functioning and quality of life, and many who seek and stick with treatment to manage their condition go on to live happy, fulfilling lives. Treatment for schizophrenia usually consists of a combination of antipsychotic medications and some form(s) of therapy. Both can help address disorganized behaviors.
Antipsychotic medications can help reduce the frequency and intensity of psychotic behaviors, including disorganized behaviors. Therapy can help a person develop a robust set of coping mechanisms so they can be better equipped to manage symptoms of their illness. For example:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy can help an individual learn to recognize distorted thoughts and shift them in order to adjust their behaviors
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy can help a person put systems in place in their daily lives to reduce disruptions as a result of symptoms, manage stress, and adhere to routines related to medication and other treatments
- Social skills training is a way to empower an individual with schizophrenia to communicate their emotions and needs in a healthy way to improve their functioning, relationships, and overall well-being
- Cognitive remediation interventions tend to focus on supporting individuals in sharpening their executive functioning and attention for better daily-life outcomes
Seeking mental health support for disorganized behavior
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a serious mental health condition like schizophrenia, it’s recommended that you seek the support of a doctor or psychiatrist right away. If you’ve been treated for schizophrenia and are looking for additional support, if you’re looking for support in managing ADHD, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or another mental illness, or if you’re simply looking for help in becoming more organized, meeting with a therapist can be beneficial, as outlined above.
How online therapy can help
Not everyone can get in-person therapy, whether due to a lack of providers in their area or difficulties related to transportation. In cases like these, online therapy can represent a viable alternative. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who you can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from the comfort of your home. Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy in many cases, so you can typically feel confident in choosing whichever format seems best for you. See below for client reviews of BetterHelp counselors if you’re interested in online therapy.
Counselor reviews
“Samantha is amazingly kind, attentive, and nonjudgemental. I had a lot of anxiety about starting therapy because I didn't know the kind of person I'd be talking to but I couldn't have been luckier. She hears every word I say and really cares about making a genuine connection and helping me learn more about my mind and organize my thoughts in a productive and therapeutic way. The world can be overwhelming and frustrating but she has been a consistent safe haven for me and my mind every week. I can't thank her enough.”
“Does great job. I needed help dealing with career stress. He is helping me think about managing work flow, organization, even sleep habits to lower my overall stress. Had never worked with a counselor before and not what I expected, but what I needed.”
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about disorganized behavior.
What type of personality involves disorganized behavior?
Anyone can be disorganized or experience disorganization. However, disorganization may be more common among those with higher levels of creativity, those with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other potential underlying psychological influences. Additionally, a meta-analysis of 21 studies found that environmental factors play a significant role in an individual’s level of organization. For example, the analysis states that households with high levels of “chaos” (such as food insecurity, abuse, a messy household, negative parenting, neglect, conflict between parents or between parent-child, etc.) are associated with greater disorganization among families, particularly children affected by the familial dysfunction.
What makes a person disorganized?
Some people are disorganized by nature, and that’s ok! Others may be disorganized due to underlying causes like stress, mental health conditions like depression, schizophrenia, trauma, or ADHD, a chaotic or dysfunctional environment, a lack of space, or it could be a learned trait from childhood.
What is disorganized behavior in psychology?
In psychology, disorganized behavior is defined as: “behavior that is self-contradictory or inconsistent. It may include childlike silliness, purposeless behavior, unpredictable agitation, or extreme emotional reaction (e.g., laughing after a catastrophe). A typical example is dressing in clothing inappropriate for the weather (e.g., wearing several layers on a warm summer day). Disorganized behavior is commonly seen in individuals with schizophrenia.”
What mental health condition causes behavioral disorganization?
A variety of mental conditions can have disorganization as a possible symptom, depending on the individual and condition severity. Depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety are among the most well-known mental health conditions that can contribute to disorganization. Individuals with these conditions can have trouble performing daily tasks such as putting laundry away, doing dishes, and so on. Additionally, anxiety and depression can take a toll on memory, resulting in potentially forgetting about completing certain tasks or forgetting where you’ve put things that you need.
Is disorganization a symptom of anxiety?
Disorganization can be one of the more common symptoms of anxiety, but this depends on the individual and circumstances. Someone with anxiety may have a hard time performing daily tasks such as putting things away, completing tasks, and so on.
Is disorganization a symptom of bipolar disorder?
Disorganization can be a symptom of bipolar disorder. This symptom may be more commonly observed during manic phases, with the individual displaying disorganized speech and behavior.
Is disorganization a positive or negative trait?
While it can cause issues in the lives of disorganized individuals, in and of itself disorganization is not necessarily bad. Some degree of being disorganized is usual and can even be considered healthy, but it can become negative if someone is chronically disorganized to the point of hindering their daily life, such as if they are a disorganized employee or have disorganized decision-making that could result in poor decisions. Additionally, having a more organized environment is associated with being more stress-free and potentially improved decision-making.
What are the two types of disorganized thinking?
The first type of disorganized thinking typically refers to difficulties with organization and motivation to complete daily tasks, like a cluttered desk, poor time management, or a disorganized environment. The second type of disorganized thinking is defined by APA as “behavior that is self-contradictory or inconsistent,” such as disorganized speech, behaviors unusual for that person, or inappropriate emotional reactions (such as laughing at a funeral).
Can a disorganized person become organized?
Absolutely, although this depends on the individual and underlying cause(s) of disorganization, as the personality and psychology of a disorganized person play a role. A variety of techniques and practical tips, like practicing mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy to better understand and alter cognitive processes, personal development, writing out to-do lists, and otherwise spending time addressing disorganization, can help. Practicing a little bit of organization each day can help, too.
Further questions on this topic
What is the mental disorder that features disorganization?
A mental disorder that can involve disorganization is schizophrenia. This mental disorder is a serious one that can cause someone’s thinking, speech, and even behavior to become disorganized.
Can behavioral disorganization and excessive clutter be considered risk factors for other issues?
Being disorganized can affect different aspects of a person’s life whether in personal or professional life. It may contribute to stress, low productivity, reduced focus, and more.
Are delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior negative symptoms of a mental health condition?
Disorganized behavior, delusions, and hallucinations are all possible symptoms of schizophrenia, which is characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. These are typically considered “positive” symptoms of this disorder.
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