How to Understand Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and an affective (mood) disorder. The condition affects how a person thinks. It can involve delusions (false beliefs, such as grandiose thinking), and/or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't real). It can also involve mood changes and may include major depression or bipolar disorder (swings between depression and mania). It may occur as the result of complications at birth, imbalances in brain chemistry or heredity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Information about the disorder
• A realization that this disorder can impact the individual's ability to relate to others
• Living with a person with schizoaffective disorder can bring a high level of stress and uncertainty into the relationship; seek sufficient support for yourself!

1. Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder may involve episodes of psychosis in which the person may not be able to discriminate between what is real and what isn't. They may experience hallucinations and/or delusions. This may be frightening to them, and they may isolate as a means of coping. The person may show little interest in life, exhibit flat emotional affect, little energy, and may shut down and withdraw from significant others. Their mood may show extreme feelings of sadness or hopelessness. They may sleep or eat excessively or too little. They may suffer thoughts of suicide or be obsessed with death. They may exhibit manic episodes of racing thoughts, rapid speech, little need for sleep, extreme energy and appear overly confident. Although these behaviors resemble major depression, bipolar disorder and/or schizophrenia it is a separate condition.
2. Diagnosing this condition can be complicated because it mimics other diagnosis. Working with a licensed mental health professional is critical. The patterns of behavior may become more evident over time. It is important to rule out other mental health diagnosis, along with physical conditions such as head injury, stroke or a neurological condition.
3. Treatment for schizoaffective disorder may require medications. It may be necessary for the psychiatrist or physician to prescribe a combination of medications. Psychotherapy may help the individual manage mood changes, maintain hope and the ability to plan for the future. Hospitalization may be necessary if the person is suicidal or at risk of harming themselves.
4. Medications such as anti-psychotics may reduce the symptoms of hallucinations or delusions and help bring clarity to confused thinking. Antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication may assist in reducing symptoms of depression or anxiety and help the person sleep and fight off fatigue. Mood stabilizers may help bring balance to life.
5. The side effects of these medications can be unpleasant, but may be less a problem than the experience of psychosis or erratic mood changes. The side effects may include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, bladder problems, tremor and muscle spasms, extreme restlessness, nausea, headache and sexual problems. Most of the times these side effects are considered temporary, but it is still important to work with the doctor to find the best possible medication regime to prevent the least amount of side effects. Mood stabilizers may be prescribed, and can be troublesome for their weight gain, skin problems, tremors, nausea, increased thirst and feelings of confusion.

Tips & Warnings

• Take medications exactly as prescribed, and do not stop or take an extra dose without the physician's approval.
• Work with the physician to reduce bothersome side effects.
• Follow through with scheduled blood tests to monitor medication levels.
• Learning and maintaining skills for daily living can maintain or increase the ability to live independently.
• Having a structured routine may reduce stress levels.
• Eating and sleeping well along with adequate levels of exercise can help one to lead a balanced life.
• Report any changes in symptoms immediately.
• Know the signs of overdose and seek immediate assistance if overdose occurs.
• Know the warning signs of relapse and work closely with the therapist and physician.
• Have a plan to cope with unwanted symptoms and the means of securing necessary supportive assistance.