Writing An Insane Character

I've been wondering something.

How would you go about writing a character that's realistically insane?

The "Violent=Insane" trope is a bit of a pet peeve for me and I'd like some advice on averting it.

Insane to what extent? Insane in what type?

I suppose you would pick a disorder and research the symptoms thoroughly.

edited 3rd Mar '11 7:35:55 PM by LoniJay

Sorry. I should have been more specific. Let's say, for example, the character in question is supposed to be delusional and has visual and auditory hallucinations.

You should probably pick a specific disorder, rather than just portraying them as generically crazy. that will help you avoid Hollywood Crazy stereotypes, as well as give you limitations and suggestions.

So, I'm guessing schizophrenic (hope I spelled that right) fits best?

edited 3rd Mar '11 7:45:47 PM by LoniJay

Loni Jay: Yeah, that's pretty much what I was going for.

If one chooses to do schizophrenia, it is best to know types. A short rundown:

• Paranoid — Characterised by hallucinations and delusions, in particular elaborate persecution fantasies, coinciding with otherwise normal thought processes and speech patterns. Probably the most common type.
• Disorganised — Also known as hebephrenic due to its "regressive" nature. Prominent features include monotone speech, disordered thought processes, and bizarre, "childish" behaviour.
• Catatonic — Exactly What It Says on the Tin.  ^*
  ^{Catatonia, for the uninformed, is basically real-world zombification.}
• Simple — Associated not with the positive symptoms (hallucinations, etc.), but with the slow onset of the negative ones, such as extreme listlessness, emotional non-response, and sudden speechlessness.
• Residual — Mild positive symptoms, variable negative ones; best described as "Schizophrenia Lite."
• Undifferentiated — Any form of schizophrenia that doesn't fully meet the criteria of the above.

Know your mental disorders!

edited 3rd Mar '11 9:13:04 PM by JHM

I may need some context of the story in order to answer the question,