What is schizoaffective disorder?
Schizophrenia, a condition that includes symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, can be an overwhelming diagnosis for anyone. But what happens if a person experiences additional symptoms of depression and mood shifts? Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that exhibits symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder. There are two types of schizoaffective disorder:
The bipolar type. This includes both intense “highs,” which are known as manic episodes, and “lows” known as depressive episodes. Manic episodes feature an increase in energy and activity, restlessness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and reckless behavior. Depressive episodes are characterized by low energy, feelings of hopelessness, and difficulties performing everyday tasks.
The depressive type. This includes only depressive episodes.
What are common signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder?
The signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder may affect each person differently, especially considering whether the bipolar type or depressive type is present. However, some common signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include:
Delusions, which are strongly held false beliefs. For example, an affected person who believes that a celebrity is controlling their thoughts.
Hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that aren’t there. For example, an affected person who hears strange voices that aren’t real.
Use of disorganized speech – speaking in an incoherent manner
Strange or unusual behavior
Depressive symptoms, including feelings of sadness or worthlessness
Manic symptoms, including increased energy and a decreased need for sleep over many days
Disinterest in maintaining proper hygiene habits
Engaging in risky behavior
Impaired functioning in social, occupational, and academic environments
Difficulty relating to other people
What causes schizoaffective disorder?
Not much is known about the genetics of schizoaffective disorder, but since it runs in families, a genetic predisposition is possible. Another cause could be an imbalance of chemicals within the brain, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, or serotonin. Brain abnormalities may also contribute to the cause of this disorder. Furthermore, there is a link between the use of psychedelic drugs, like LSD, and the development of schizoaffective disorder.
How is schizoaffective disorder diagnosed and treated?
A person may be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder by a medical professional after learning the history of their mental and physical health. Most people with schizoaffective disorder are diagnosed during young adulthood, usually between the ages of 25 and 35, but the condition can affect any person of any age. More women than men receive a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. It is a rare disorder affecting about 0.3% of Americans, or 3 in every 1,000 individuals. There is no cure for schizoaffective disorder, but people can get help in the form of medication and psychotherapy to treat symptoms. If a person with schizoaffective disorder exhibits difficulties in caring for themselves or poses a threat to themselves or others, hospitalization along with medication therapy may be advised.
Medications.
Medications—such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers—are commonly prescribed to treat schizoaffective disorder.
Antipsychotics. Prescribed to treat delusions, hallucinations, and any symptoms that are indicative of schizophrenia. Paliperidone is the only FDA approved medication used to treat schizoaffective disorder. However, there are several options available. Haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole, and clozapine are just a few of the antipsychotics prescribed to people with this disorder.
Antidepressants. Medications such as sertraline and fluoxetine are prescribed to treat depressive type symptoms.
Mood stabilizers. People with bipolar type schizoaffective disorder can manage symptoms with medications such as lithium, carbamazepine, and divalproex. Mood stabilizers can help balance out the intense “highs” and depressive “lows.”
Also, it is important to avoid using recreational drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, as they can interfere with medications or exacerbate symptoms.
Psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy is used in conjunction with medication to treat schizoaffective disorder. A physician or therapist may provide options for individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Therapy provided to individuals with this condition should help with learning how to manage everyday activities, minimizing delusions and hallucinations, and assisting in the improvement of cognitive functioning.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder by teaching coping skills, which can be learned by understanding how irrational thoughts affect their emotions and actions. CBT may help with stress management and can be beneficial in determining whether thoughts are false or based in reality.
Psychotherapy can also provide support with social skills training and job coaching. This may help prevent feelings of social isolation and ward off the possibility of unemployment.
What is the prognosis for someone diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder?
Due to its chronic nature, people with schizoaffective disorder typically require therapy and medication for the rest of their lives. About half of individuals with this disorder are able to manage their symptoms as time goes on. It is estimated that about 10% to 30% of people with schizoaffective disorder may need to be hospitalized in their lifetime, and about 10% of people with schizoaffective disorder die by suicide. Specific medications used to treat schizoaffective disorder, such as lithium and clozapine, have been shown to be helpful in preventing suicide with ongoing use.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizoaffective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354504
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board