Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by experiencing symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder or depression. People with this disorder may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and mood changes that can range from extreme highs (mania) to lows (depression).

The suffix “affective” indicates severe changes in mood, energy, and behavior. If you fear that a loved one is suffering from schizoaffective disorder, please call us at (321) 415-3213. Our mental health treatment program can support you to heal and thrive.

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder

The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms of schizoaffective disorder.

• Delusions: False, fixed beliefs that persist despite contrary facts.
• Extreme hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that don’t exist.
• Disorganized thinking: jumping from one topic to another, giving responses unrelated to the questioning.
• Depressed mood: feelings of extreme sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness.

Manic symptoms include increased excitement, racing thoughts, and risky behavior.

Causes of Schizoaffective Disorder

Doctors still aren’t sure what causes schizoaffective disorder. A combination of genetic and environmental variables may increase the risk of developing schizoaffective disorder. The schizoaffective condition often runs in families. Just because a relative has schizoaffective disorder does not guarantee that their children will have the disease, but it does increase the chances.

The exact cause of schizoaffective disorder is unknown, but researchers believe it is probably a combination of factors, including:

Genetics: Having a family history of schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder increases your risk.

Brain chemicals: Imbalances in brain chemicals, especially dopamine, may play a role.

Environmental factors: Stressful life events, childhood trauma, and substance abuse can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Although the cause is unknown, understanding these risk factors can help individuals and families take steps toward prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment.

Diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder

Diagnosing schizoaffective disorder is sometimes challenging; A person suffering from this condition has symptoms of both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in addition to depression. It is classified into two primary types: the bipolar type and the depressed type. The following symptoms must be present to be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder:

• Severe mood disorders, such as mania or sadness, appear along with symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Delusions and hallucinations that last for at least two weeks without any significant changes in mood
• Symptoms worthy of a significant mood episode are present for most of the course of the illness.
• The medications do not cause side effects or symptoms.

Co-occurring Disorders and Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disease affects men and women equally, with men often experiencing symptoms of the illness earlier in life. Psychotherapy combined with medication adjustments can be an effective way of managing schizoaffective disorder. Co-occurring drug use disorders pose a persistent and significant threat to people who have schizoaffective disorder. In a mental health facility like Orlando Treatment Solutions, patients with schizoaffective disease require therapy and integrated treatment options.

Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective illness is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to those seen in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Schizoaffective illness has received less scientific attention than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but the professionals at Orlando Treatment Solutions provide the most contemporary, community-centered, holistic therapy available.

Treatment of schizoaffective disorder usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy:

Medication:

• Antipsychotics
• Mood stabilizers
• Antidepressants

Psychotherapy:

Individual therapy: This type of therapy can help people with schizoaffective disorder understand their illness, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their social and communication skills.

Family therapy: This type of therapy can help family members understand and support their loved one with schizoaffective disorder.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help people with schizoaffective disorder identify and change negative thought patterns that may contribute to their symptoms.