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Schizoaffective disorder is classified into two subtypes:
- schizoaffective bipolar type
- schizoaffective depressive type. Mental health professionals currently believe that schizoaffective disorder is a kind of schizophrenia
Estimates suggest that as many as one in 3 people diagnosed with schizophrenia actually have schizoaffective disorder. Diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are so similar to that of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can include:
- losing touch with reality hallucinations delusions
- disorganised thoughts chaotic speech behaviour
- anxiety apathy blank facial expression
- inability to move
Most mental health experts believe that schizoaffective disorder is a variation of schizophrenia, but the exact cause remains unclear.
Current theory suggests that schizoaffective disorder is triggered by a range of factors working in combination including: differences in brain chemical (neurotransmitters) and receptor interactions.
For example, people who are severely depressed can sometimes suffer from hallucinations, while people coming out of acute schizophrenic episodes are prone to (post-psychotic depression).
A long-term history of the person is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
The symptoms of mania can easily be confused with the emotions, thoughts and behaviours commonly experienced during a schizophrenic psychotic episode. Diagnosis may take some time because it is so difficult to tell the difference between schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia and mood disorders. Usually, a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is made when the symptoms of schizophrenia and the symptoms of a mood disorder (such as bipolar disorder or unipolar disorder) are present at the same time for at least 2 weeks.
Factors common to schizoaffective disorder that may help a diagnosis include:
- women are more susceptible than men. A multi-faceted treatment program is generally recommended for schizoaffective disorder
- including: are usually given first
Antidepressant or mood stabilising medications are used once the psychotic symptoms are under control. Sometimes antipsychotic medications and antidepressants are used at the same time. Anticonvulsant medication can also help treat mood disorder symptoms.
– understanding and support from loved ones is very important. Family and friends are advised to learn as much as they can about schizoaffective disorder to help the affected person and themselves. Support groups and counselling services are available for relatives and friends of people with mental illness.
About schizoaffective disorder Schizoaffective disorder is a combination of two mental illnesses – schizophrenia The main types of associated mood disorder include bipolar disorder depressive episodes Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder Psychotic symptoms Manic symptoms Depressive symptoms Cause of schizoaffective disorder is unknown genetic susceptibility environmental factors such as stress Diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is difficult Diagnosis is difficult because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are similar to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia depression Diagnosis methods for schizoaffective disorder Medical tests may include x-rays and blood tests onset is typically during the years of early adulthood watching a moving object is usually difficult for a person with schizoaffective disorder rapid eye movement (REM) sleep usually occurs abnormally early Treatment options for schizoaffective disorder Medications – antipsychotic medications Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Psychological therapy Psychosocial counselling Support from family and friends Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Psychiatrist Public hospital or community health centre SANE United States 1800 187 263 mind (616) 555-0400 The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (616) 555-0200.
Key Points
- to make sure the symptoms aren’t caused by physical disease
- Factors common to schizoaffective disorder that may help a diagnosis include: women are more susceptible than men
- Antidepressant or mood stabilising medications are used once the psychotic symptoms are under control
- Anticonvulsant medication can also help treat mood disorder symptoms
- – to help the person avoid the common pitfalls of mental illness such as unemployment, poverty and loneliness