What is Schizoaffective Disorders?
Patients experience hallmark positive symptoms of schizophrenia, including delusions, hallucinations and thought disorder. Additionally, they exhibit features of depressive or bipolar disorders – either depressed mood, mania or cycling between the two. The psychotic and mood disorder symptoms occur concurrently the majority of the time.
The different forms of mood disorder symptoms
There are two main types of schizoaffective disorder based on the accompanying mood disturbances:
Bipolar Type
and grandiose thoughts or reckless behaviour alongside psychotic symptoms. It may include alternating episodes of depression.
Depressive Type
This involves major depressive episodes of persistent
sadness, hopelessness, low energy and suicidal thoughts occurring concurrently with psychosis.
Treatments
Treatment primarily involves medications and psychotherapy. Antipsychotic medications like olanzapine treat psychotic symptoms. Mood stabilizers like lithium control mood swings. Antidepressants treat depressive episodes.
Psychotherapy provides coping skills to manage symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps modify disordered thoughts and behaviours. Social rhythm therapy helps regulate daily routines. Family therapy provides psychosocial support.
With consistent treatment, many patients achieve stabilization of both mood and psychotic symptoms. While no cure exists, the long-term outlook can be good with medication compliance, therapy and a strong support system. Schizoaffective disorder remains challenging to distinguish, diagnose and treat – but personalized care makes all the difference.