How does undifferentiated schizophrenia affect the body?

Undifferentiated schizophrenia mainly affects the brain, but it may be expressed in ways that affect the body as well. For example, someone with undifferentiated schizophrenia may show signs of catatonia or make a series of bizarre movements. People with schizophrenia are also at greater risk for drug abuse and cigarette smoking, both of which have many different negative effects on the body. The antipsychotic medications people with schizophrenia take in order to minimize or prevent symptoms of their illness from returning have side effects, including weight gain, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and two rare but serious disorders called tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Lastly, people with schizophrenia are more likely than the general population to attempt and commit suicide, so it is important for medical and community caregivers to monitor the person for this possibility.