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Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective Disorder Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition. This condition causes symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorder. The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can significantly impair a person’s functioning and quality of life. People with schizoaffective disorder require treatment and ongoing support to manage their symptoms.

This article will explore schizoaffective disorder. You will learn:

  • The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder
  • The causes and risk factors for schizoaffective disorder
  • How people receive a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder
  • What treatment is effective for schizoaffective disorder
  • Where to find mental health treatment

If you or someone you love lives with schizoaffective disorder, treatment is available at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. Reach out to our intake team now to learn about our treatment programs or schedule an intake appointment.

What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition. People with schizoaffective disorder exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia, including delusional thinking and hallucinations. They also experience mood disorder symptoms, such as depression, mania, and hypomania.

There are two types of schizoaffective disorder. 

Bipolar type

People with bipolar-type schizoaffective disorder experience periods of major depression and mania or hypomania.

Depressive type

People with depressive-type schizoaffective disorder experience only periods of depression.

Both types of schizoaffective disorder involve symptoms of schizophrenia. Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can vary from person to person.

What are the Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder?

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), schizoaffective disorder can affect people in different ways. People with this condition have psychotic symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations. They also experience mood disorder symptoms, including depression. 

The onset and type of symptoms can vary from person to person. However, the diagnostic criteria for this condition include experiencing periods of depression or mania. They also include experiencing at least two-week periods of psychotic symptoms. 

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include:

  • Odd, erratic, or bizarre behaviors
  • Experiencing delusions (false beliefs that contradict logic or evidence)
  • Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things, or having other sensory experiences others do not experience)
  • Poor hygiene and self-care
  • Disorganized thoughts and speech
  • Symptoms of depression, including low energy and mood, lack of interest, feelings of worthlessness, etc. 
  • Symptoms of mania including a decreased need for sleep and elevated energy
  • Poof social skills
  • Difficulty functioning at work, school, or in social situations

People’s symptoms can vary depending on if they have bipolar or depressive-type schizoaffective disorder.

Causes and Risk Factors for Schizoaffective Disorder

Mental health experts do not know exactly what causes schizoaffective disorder. However, many believe genetics can play a role in a person’s likelihood of developing the condition.

There are several risk factors believed to increase the risk of developing schizoaffective disorder, including:

  • Substance abuse and using mind-altering drugs
  • Intensely stressful events that may cause symptoms of this condition
  • A close family member (parent, grandparent, or sibling) with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia

People with schizoaffective disorder are at increased risk for serious complications, including:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
  • Isolation
  • Relationship problems and interpersonal conflict
  • Unemployment
  • Being the victim of an assault
  • Becoming unhoused
  • Substance abuse and addiction
  • Chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and stroke

People with schizoaffective disorder require supportive mental health services, including treatment and social service support in the community. 

How Do Mental Health Professionals Diagnose Schizoaffective Disorder?

Getting an accurate diagnosis can help people get the treatment they need to manage schizoaffective disorder. Medical and mental health professionals use a series of tests to rule out other mental health and medical conditions. Here is an overview of the diagnosis process. 

Physical exam

A physical exam can help specialists rule out the physical causes of a person’s symptoms. It can also identify any conditions that may complicate treatment. 

Mental health evaluation

A mental health evaluation examines a person’s mental status. A mental health professional may ask questions about mood, thoughts, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, and other relevant topics. 

Screenings

A mental health or medical professional may conduct other testing to identify substance abuse. These screenings can also help to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

People who experience symptoms of this condition must seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as they recognize a problem.

What to Expect During Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder

Treatment for schizoaffective disorder includes medications, life skills training, and talk therapy.

Talk therapy

Talk therapy can help people with schizoaffective disorder to understand their condition and process emotions. People may participate in individual, group, and family therapy sessions.

Life skills training

People may benefit from targeted education and therapies to improve social skills and work toward employment. 

Medications

People may take prescription medications, including antidepressants, mood-stabilizing drugs, and antipsychotics. These medications can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. 

In some cases, people may require hospitalization to manage a mental health crisis related to schizoaffective disorder. Some people with this condition also benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Find Treatment and Support Now

Like other mental health disorders, schizoaffective disorder is treatable. Getting an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment can help people manage the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder. 

If you or someone you love lives with schizoaffective disorder, effective treatment is available. Contact the specialists at Agape Behavioral Health to explore our programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment. 

References:

  1. Science Direct: Schizoaffective Disorder
  2. BMJ Publishing: Schizoaffective disorder
  3. Oxford Academic: Risk Factors, Clinical Features, and Polygenic Risk Scores in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder Depressive-Type
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