Schizoaffective Disorder
by
Pamela Jones, MA DefinitionSchizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that has symptoms of a mood disorder and psychosis. It is a disorder that has some symptoms similar to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but is considered a separate disorder. CausesIt is not clear what causes schizoaffective disorder. Some factors that may play a role in schizoaffective disorder include:
These changes in the brain and chemicals may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Risk FactorsSchizoaffective disorder is more common in women than men. A family history of mental illness may also increase the risk of schizoaffective disorder. SymptomsSymptoms may vary depending on age or gender. For example:
Symptoms also vary between people but may include a mix of symptoms of depression, mania, or psychosis. Depressive symptoms can include:
Manic symptoms may include:
Psychotic symptoms may include:
These symptoms can also lead to difficulty carrying out basic self care and hygiene tasks, cause problems creating or keeping personal relationships, and holding a job. DiagnosisA diagnosis is made according to the health history and symptoms that you and those around you report to the doctor. Certain features and symptoms will help your doctor identify schizoaffective disorder from other similar conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. You may be referred to a specialist for diagnosis. TreatmentTreatment for schizoaffective disorder is focused on managing symptoms and preventing symptoms from becoming worse. Most treatments include a combination of medication, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Consistent contact with your healthcare team is important to keep treatment on track, address exacerbation, and improve quality of life. MedicationMedicine may help to manage symptoms. The exact type of medicine will depend on your symptoms but may include one or more of the following types of medication:
Medicine needs may change. Regular contact with your medical team can help identify when these changes may be needed. CounselingThere are a variety of counseling options to help manage symptoms and the effects of this disorder. Some therapy options include:
Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle changes can help cope with the challenges of a mental condition and decrease worsening of symptoms. Lifestyle changes may include:
PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent schizoaffective disorder because the cause is not known. RESOURCES:National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov National Mental Health Association http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Mental Health Association https://cmha.ca Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org References:Beddoe AE, Pravikoff D. Schizoaffective disorder. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscoho.... Updated January 10, 2014. Accessed October 4, 2017.
Schizoaffective disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated June 25, 2015. Accessed October 4, 2017.
Schizoaffective disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness website. Available at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Schizoaffective-Disorder. Accessed October 4, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD Last Updated: 7/10/2020 |
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