What is schizoaffective disorder?

It's known that schizoaffective disorder is a form of mental illness where patients possess signs of both schizophrenia and mood disorders. In turn, schizophrenia refers to thinking problems, how a person may act or look in view, the manner one views reality and conveys their feelings, all changing how someone looks like; mood disorders on the other hand, changes someone's energy levels, feeling or behaviour.

What are the types of schizoaffective disorder?

There are two subtypes of schizoaffective disorder, and they are based on which type of mood disorder symptoms you are expressing:

• Bipolar type: Several days of mania are followed by severe depression. There is increased energy and irritability followed by low energy and sadness, which is typical in episodes of mania and then depression.
• Depressive type: You only have experienced lows (depression). Your mood has features of depression and some difficulty in completing routine activities. You could feel hopeless.

What are the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder?

Individuals with schizoaffective disorder experience symptoms that overlap with the symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, and/or mania.

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder similar to schizophrenia include:

• Having hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
• Having delusions (being under false beliefs)
• Talking in disorganized speech or speaking in a manner not understandable to others
• Carrying out odd or puzzling behaviours
• Showing less concern for personal hygiene or taking care of oneself
• Finding difficulties in relating to other people

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder that resemble depression are the following:

• Feeling severely depressed for two or more weeks
• Loss of interest in most activities, places, and people that are close to them
• Changes in appetite and sleep habits
• Low energy level than usual
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder that resemble mania are the following:

• Higher energy levels than usual
• Highly elevated or more positive mood than would normally be felt
• Feel able to do anything
• Racing thoughts
• Needs to talk much or more often than usual
• Insomnia, even after wanting and being able to sleep
• Distractibility
• Impulsivity leading to dangerous activities.

What is the biological cause of schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder has no specific cause. Researchers are studying several other factors that influence this diagnosis:

• Genes: A genetic alteration (variant or polymorph) among multiple genes can increase the susceptibility to schizoaffective disorders. The exact genes responsible are unknown, but studies on how genetics might influence this condition are ongoing.
• Brain chemicals: Brain chemicals such as neurotransmitters help nerve cells in your brain communicate. Studies suggest that certain neurotransmitter abnormalities such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin may affect how cells communicate and thus lead to symptoms.
• Brain structure: Anomalies in size and structure of some brain parts, such as the hippocampus, thalamus, and white matter might contribute to certain symptoms.

What are the risk factors for schizoaffective disorder?

Anyone can suffer from schizoaffective disorder. You are probably at a higher risk if you:

• You are assigned female at birth.
• You have a biological first-degree relative to this condition, either a parent or sibling.
• You have other biological relatives with another form of mental illness.
• Your risk of developing symptoms might be higher if you face:
• You have experienced extreme stress and emotional trauma.
• You engage in the use of illegal drugs, substances, or narcotics.

What are the complications of schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder has life-threatening complications, which can include:

• Your own personal endangerment or risk situation.
• Suicide.
• Substance abuse.
• Other psychological disorders are characterized by anxiety or depression.

On the other hand, if you are suffering from schizoaffective disorder, you will most probably face challenges in the following:

• Managing your daily activities.
• Meeting appropriate hygiene requirements.
• Living with social, work, educational, or financial expectations.

How is schizoaffective disorder diagnosed?

Schizoaffective disorder is hard to diagnose as it closely resembles other mental illnesses.

First, diagnosis begins with talking. If there are symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder in a friend or loved one, have a conversation. It may be challenging for someone who deals with a mental health condition to seek out assistance on their own or recognize that they need it. Gently share your concerns and offer them support. It is helpful to be surrounded by people you know and can trust so you can access the care you need.

Schizoaffective disorder is diagnosed by an expert in mental health conditions, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Test for schizoaffective disorder

There are no lab tests to diagnose schizoaffective disorder. Suppose you first see a primary care physician. In that case, they may give you tests to rule out medical conditions with similar symptoms before recommending you visit a mental health specialist.

What does treatment for schizoaffective disorder involve?

Managing schizoaffective disorders involves:

• Using medications.
• Psychotherapy.

Which medications are used to manage schizoaffective disorders?

Your provider will determine the appropriate medication for you based on the type of schizoaffective disorder you are diagnosed with. Three types of most commonly used medications are:

• Antipsychotics: This type of medicine is commonly used in the treatment of symptoms such as hallucinations, delusion, and disorganized thinking.
• Mood stabilizers: This type of medicine is mainly used to treat and prevent manic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium and valproate.
• Antidepressants: This type of medicine is used to treat and prevent depressive symptoms. Common examples are sertraline or fluoxetine.

Your provider may prescribe you more than one type of medication based on your specific needs.

How long after treatment will it be before I start getting better?

With ongoing therapy of both medications and psychotherapy, your symptoms may enter remission. This does not happen overnight. It will take months to years for some symptoms to stabilize. For that matter, not everyone diagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder goes into remission. Medication is typically not discontinued even when symptoms do go into remission.

Most individuals have witnessed a very encouraging response to early diagnosis with treatment as present symptoms first occurred, thereby avoiding or reducing frequent relapses and hospitalization: prompt treatment.

This is definitely a life-long illness affecting all dimensions of life. Work or school would be hard for you, as would interactions with family and acquaintances. But treatment has enabled you to get back on your feet and into stability.

Can schizoaffective disorder be prevented?

There is no known way to prevent schizoaffective disorder. You can prevent worsening symptoms or triggers of symptoms by reducing stress and continuing treatment as your doctor recommends.

What is the outlook for schizoaffective disorder?

There is no cure for schizoaffective disorder. Everyone's experience is different. Your doctor will best be able to give you an idea of what your particular outlook is.

Many people see good results of the disease if diagnosed early and treated when the initial symptoms occur. Early treatment will prevent or alleviate frequent relapses and hospitalizations.

This is a life-long illness, and all areas of your life can be affected. It makes it tough to participate in work or school. This also makes your relationships with family, friends, and loved ones suffer. Treatment can get you back up and into stability.

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