A combination of two mental illnesses – schizophrenia and a mood disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a combination of two mental illnesses – schizophrenia and a mood disorder. The main types of associated mood disorder include bipolar disorder (characterised by manic episodes or an alternation of manic and depressive episodes) and unipolar disorder (characterised by depressive episodes).
Schizoaffective disorder is classified into two subtypes:
schizoaffective bipolar type, and schizoaffective depressive type.
Mental health professionals currently believe that schizoaffective disorder is a kind of schizophrenia. Estimates suggest that as many as one in 3 people diagnosed with schizophrenia actually have schizoaffective disorder.
Diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are so similar to that of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder
Schizoaffective disorder symptoms may vary from person to person. People with the condition experience psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, as well as symptoms of a mood disorder — either bipolar type (episodes of mania and sometimes depression) or depressive type (episodes of depression).
Although the development and course of schizoaffective disorder may vary, defining features include a major mood episode (depressed or manic mood) and at least a two-week period of psychotic symptoms when a major mood episode is not present. Signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder depend on the type — bipolar or depressive type — and may include, among others:
Psychotic symptoms – losing touch with reality;
Delusions — having false, fixed beliefs, despite evidence to the contrary
Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there
Impaired communication and speech, such as being incoherent
Bizarre or unusual behaviour, Impaired occupational, academic and social functioning,
Problems with managing personal care, including cleanliness and physical appearance.
Manic symptoms;
Periods of manic mood, with an increase in energy and a decreased need for sleep over several days, and behaviours that are out of character such as;
Increased social, sexual and work activity, rapid thoughts and speech, exaggerated self-esteem, reduced need for sleep, risky behaviours, impulsive behaviours such as spending sprees, quick changes between mood states such as happiness to anger.
Depressive symptoms;
loss of motivation and interest,
fatigue,
concentration difficulties,
physical complaints such as headache or stomach ache,
low self-esteem,
suicidal thoughts,
loss of appetite,
insomnia,
Symptoms of depression, such as feeling empty, sad or worthlessness.
Most mental health experts believe that schizoaffective disorder is a variation of schizophrenia, but the exact cause remains unclear.
Current theory suggests that schizoaffective disorder is triggered by a range of factors working in combination including:
genetic susceptibility
environmental factors such as stress
differences in brain chemical (neurotransmitters) and receptor interactions.
Treatment options for schizoaffective disorder
A multi-faceted treatment program is generally recommended for schizoaffective disorder, including:
Medications – antipsychotic medications are usually given first. Antidepressant or mood stabilising medications are used once the psychotic symptoms are under control. Sometimes antipsychotic medications and antidepressants are used at the same time. Anticonvulsant medication can also help treat mood disorder symptoms.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – is used to treat depression by inducing controlled seizures via small electrodes placed at specific locations on the head.
Psychological therapy – which usually includes learning practical strategies to help avoid or identify future episodes.
Psychosocial counselling – to help the person avoid the common pitfalls of mental illness such as unemployment, poverty and loneliness.
Support from family and friends – understanding and support from loved ones is very important. Family and friends are advised to learn as much as they can about schizoaffective disorder to help the affected person and themselves. Support groups and counselling services are available for relatives and friends of people with mental illness