Which defense mechanism might a client with schizophrenia, undifferentiated type, be expected to use?

A client with schizophrenia, undifferentiated type, may be expected to use regression as a defense mechanism due to the nature of their disorder. Regression involves reverting to behaviors characteristic of an earlier developmental stage in response to stress or anxiety. In the context of schizophrenia, individuals may experience overwhelming emotions, reality distortions, or confusion, prompting them to retreat to more childlike behaviors or coping strategies that offered comfort in earlier stages of life.

This behavior can manifest as a temporary abandonment of adult responsibilities or a return to simpler or less mature ways of thinking and acting, serving as a way to escape the complexities and pressures of adult life. In the context of a psychotic episode, regression can be a powerful mechanism for coping with the distressing symptoms and altered perceptions of reality that individuals with schizophrenia may face.