Which patient diagnosed with schizophrenia would be expected to have the lowest level of overall functioning?

A) 39 years old; paranoid ideation since age 35 years
B) 32 years old; isolated episodes of catatonia since age 24 years; stable for 3 years
C) 19 years old; diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder 6 months ago
D) 40 years old; frequent relapses since age 18; often does not take medication as prescribed

The 40-year-old patient who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia since 18 years of age could logically be expected to have the lowest overall level of functioning secondary to deterioration associated with frequent relapses. The 39-year-old patient who has had paranoid ideation since 35 years of age could be expected to have a higher-level because schizophrenia of short duration may be less impairing than other types. The patient who has had episodes of catatonia since the age of 24 years has been stable for more than 3 years, suggesting a higher functional ability. The 19-year-old patient diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder has been ill for only 6 months, and disability is likely to be minimal.