a form of pubertal schizophrenia, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, foolish behaviour, and senseless laughter
Derived forms
hebephrenic (ˌhiːbɪˈfrɛnɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C20: New Latin, from Greek hēbē youth + -phrenia mental disorder, from phrēn mind
hebephrenia in American English
(ˌhibɪˈfriniə)
noun
a form of schizophrenia characterized by childish or silly behavior, disorganized thinking, delusions, and hallucinations, usually beginning in adolescence