There are millions of people suffering from schizoaffective disorder worldwide. According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in 2020, the estimated lifetime prevalence of schizoaffective disorder in the general population is approximately 0.32%. This indicates that about 1 in every 312 individuals may develop a schizoaffective condition at some point in their lifetime.
What is schizoaffective disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental condition that has elements of schizophrenia and mood disorders combined, such as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. It is a condition that is prolonged and has a severe effect on an individual’s ability to think logically and behave clearly.
Schizoaffective disorder can be a challenging diagnosis since it shares symptoms with other mental health conditions, but it is treatable with a combination of medications, therapy, and support. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be experiencing schizoaffective disorder, it’s important to seek professional guidance from a mental health provider.
Schizoaffective disorder symptoms
Schizoaffective disorder symptoms can differ from person to person, but some common signs include:
- Delusions or false beliefs that are unreal, such as the feeling that one is being watched or followed
- Hallucinations like hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist in real
- Disorganized thinking or speech, including difficulty organizing one’s thoughts or making coherent statements
- Having extreme mood swings, including depressive episodes, manic episodes, or mixed episodes
- Troubles with self-care, including hygiene and maintaining relationships
- Social isolation and difficulty with communication and interpersonal relationships
- Poor judgment and decision-making, including engaging in risky behaviors.
Schizoaffective disorder symptoms can vary in intensity and can be difficult to manage, but the right treatment plan can help people with schizoaffective disorder manage their symptoms and get a better life.
Types of schizoaffective disorder
- Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type : Bipolar type: People with bipolar-type schizoaffective disorder experience episodes of mania or hypomania, while also having symptoms of schizophrenia. Mania is seen when people tend to have periods of elevated mood, high energy, and abnormally impulsive behavior. Hypomania is very much like mania. The only difference is its intensity and has less severe symptoms.
- Schizoaffective Disorder DepressiveType : Depressive type: In this type, the person experiences episodes of depression along with symptoms of schizophrenia. Depression is recognized when people exhibit periods of low mood, loss of interest in activities, guilt, and feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
What causes schizoaffective disorder?
Studies have found that schizoaffective disorder has a genetic component and runs in families, despite the fact that no one gene has been specifically linked to the condition.
The onset of the illness has also been linked to neurobiological causes, including abnormalities in certain brain structures and neurotransmitter systems. Environmental factors, such as traumatic life events and substance use, have also been attributed to the development and worsening of symptoms in people with schizoaffective disorder.
Although these risk factors do not always mean that a person will acquire the illness, medication, therapy, and a change in lifestyle can help control the symptoms.
Schizoaffective disorder test
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. A psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist will assess a person’s symptoms, medical history, and family history of mental illness.
The evaluation may include interviews with the patient, as well as with family members or a close acquaintance who would possibly know the person well. The mental health professional may also use certain diagnostic criteria, such as those outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to help make a diagnosis.
To rule out any medical conditions that might be the source of the patient’s symptoms, the mental health professional may also suggest medical testing in addition to the examination, such as blood tests or brain imaging scans.
Overall, rather than relying just on a single test or screening tool, the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is based on a combination of symptoms, history, and clinical judgment
Schizoaffective disorder treatment
There are several treatments for schizoaffective disorder patients that can help reduce their symptoms and improve overall functioning.
- Medication: Antipsychotic medications are the most common type of drugs used to treat the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, including delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed, depending on the type and severity of the mood symptoms of each person.
- Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive therapy, can be useful for people with schizoaffective disorder better understand their symptoms and develop coping strategies for managing them. Family therapy can also be helpful in improving communication and addressing relationship issues.
- Hospitalization: Hospitalization may be necessary for some critical conditions to manage severe symptoms or to ensure the safety of the individual.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT may be recommended for people with schizoaffective disorder who are failing to respond to other treatments, particularly if they have severe depression.
- Self-care: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep are all important for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Avoiding drugs and alcohol, and managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga are some effective strategies that can also be helpful.
Seeking help for mental health issues can be a difficult and often daunting process, and it is important to approach the situation at the nearest mental health center that specializes in the disorder.
A better future may be possible for you or a loved one who has schizoaffective disorder if treatment is begun at the earliest.
