APA Dictionary of Psychology

a form of schizophrenia that begins early in life, develops gradually, is believed to be due to endogenous (biological or physiological) rather than environmental factors, and has a poor prognosis. Psychosocial development before the onset of the disorder is poor; individuals are withdrawn, are socially inadequate, and indulge in excessive fantasies. This term is often used interchangeably with nuclear schizophrenia. Also called poor premorbid schizophrenia. Compare reactive schizophrenia. [proposed in 1959 by U.S. psychologists Norman Garmezy (1918–2009) and Eliot H. Rodnick (1911–1999)]