Schizoaffective disorder is a type of mental illness. It creates symptoms of schizophrenia and symptoms of a mood disorder. This includes mania or depression.
The two types of schizoaffective disorder are bipolar and depressive.
Episodes of mania occur in the bipolar type. During a manic episode, you may alternate between feeling overly excited to feeling extremely irritable. You may or may not experience depressive episodes.
People who have the depressive type experience episodes of depression.
Schizoaffective disorder affects 0.3 percent of people in the United States. This disorder affects men and women equally. Men may develop the disorder earlier in life. With proper treatment and care, this disorder can be effectively managed.
Your symptoms will depend on the mood disorder. They can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms can also vary depending on the person.
Doctors typically categorize symptoms as either manic or psychotic.
Manic symptoms are like those seen in bipolar disorder. A person with manic symptoms may appear hyperactive or overly restless, talk very fast, and sleep very little.
If your doctor refers to symptoms as positive or negative, this doesn’t mean “good” or “bad.”
Psychotic symptoms are similar to those of schizophrenia. This may include positive symptoms, such as:
- disorganized speech
- disorganized behavior
Negative symptoms can occur when something seems to be missing, such as the ability to experience pleasure or the ability to think clearly or concentrate.
It isn’t clear what causes schizoaffective disorder. The disorder typically runs in families, so genetics may play at role. You aren’t guaranteed to develop the disorder if a family member has it, but you do have an increased risk.
Birth complications or exposure to toxins or viruses before birth may also contribute to the development of the disorder. People may also develop the disorder as a result of certain chemical changes in the brain.
It can be difficult to diagnose schizoaffective disorder because it has many of the same symptoms as other conditions. These symptoms can appear at different times. They can also appear in different combinations.
When diagnosing this type of schizoaffective disorder, doctors will look for:
- major manic symptoms that occur along with psychotic symptoms
- psychotic symptoms that last at least two weeks, even when the mood symptoms are under control
- a mood disorder that’s present for most of the course of the illness
Blood or laboratory tests can’t help your doctor diagnose schizoaffective disorder. Your doctor may do certain tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that can cause some of the same symptoms. This includes substance abuse or epilepsy.
People with the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder usually respond well to a combination of medications. Psychotherapy or counseling may also help.
Medications can help relieve the psychotic symptoms and stabilize the ups and downs of bipolar mood swings.
Antipsychotics control the schizophrenia-like symptoms. This includes hallucinations and delusions. Paliperidone is the only drug the U. S. Food and Drug Administration has approved specifically for schizoaffective disorder.
Similar drugs include:
Mood stabilizers can level out the highs and lows of bipolar symptoms. You may need to take the mood stabilizers for several weeks or so before they become effective. Antipsychotics work much quicker to control symptoms. It isn’t uncommon to use mood stabilizers and antipsychotics together.
Lithium is primarily used to treat bipolar symptoms. Certain drugs for treating seizures can also treat these symptoms. This includes carbamazepine and valproate.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help people with schizoaffective disorder:
- solve problems
- form relationships
- learn new behaviors
- learn new skills
Talk therapy can generally help you manage your life and your thoughts.
You can get one-on-one therapy with a psychologist, counselor or another therapist, or you can go to group therapy. Group support can reinforce new skills and allow you to connect with other people who share your concerns.
What you can do now
Although schizoaffective disorder isn’t curable, many treatments can help you effectively manage your condition. It’s possible to manage the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder and have a better quality of life. Follow these tips:
Medication can help your symptoms, but you need encouragement and support to function well. Help is available for you, your family, and your friends.
One of the first steps is to learn as much as you can about the disorder. It’s important that you or your loved one gets the right diagnosis and treatment.
These organizations can help you learn more about schizoaffective disorder, keep up with new research and treatments, and find local support:
Mental Health America
Mental Health America is a national nonprofit advocacy group with over 200 affiliates throughout the country. Its website has more information about schizoaffective disorder, as well as links to resources and support in local communities.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is a large grassroots organization that offers more details about schizoaffective disorder. NAMI can help you find resources in your local community. The organization also has a toll-free helpline. Call 800-950-NAMI for referrals, information, and support.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The NIMH is a leading agency for research on mental illnesses. It offers information about:
- links for finding mental health services
- links for participating in clinical research trials
Although antipsychotic medicines usually work very quickly, drugs for mood disorders can often take several weeks before producing visible results.
Talk to your doctor
Always talk to your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing. Let them know if a medication you’re taking isn’t having an effect. A simple switch in drug or dose may make a difference.