Schizoaffective Disorder: Causes, Signs, Treatments

Individuals with Schizoaffective disorder experience the intense highs and lows of bipolar disorder but also get distorted thoughts or hallucinations. It is a complex mental health condition where people struggle with depression, mania, and psychosis. This blog will focus on the intricate details of schizoaffective disorder and will equip you with knowledge and resources to navigate this disorder.  

Introduction to Schizoaffective Disorder 

Schizoaffective disorder intricately combines schizophrenia’s hallucinations and delusions with mood disorder symptoms, creating a unique set of challenges that require a comprehensive approach to treatment and support.

What is Schizoaffective Disorder? 

Schizoaffective disorder is a severe mental health disorder that has characteristics of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia causes changes in the way a person acts, perceives reality, and expresses emotions. Mood disorder affects how an individual feels, behaves, and has energy levels. There is no permanent cure for this disorder, but with help and support, one can effectively manage the symptoms.  

Bipolar Type vs. Depressive Type 

Schizoaffective disorder is classified into two types based on the mood disorder symptoms an individual experiences. One is bipolar type, and the other is a depressive type. Bipolar type a person experiences extreme episodes of mania and severe depression for several days. An episode of low energy with sadness also follows episodes with energy surges with irritability. Depressive type makes an individual feel low on energy and sad. They may face difficulty conducting daily tasks because of hopelessness and isolation.  

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type 

Symptoms of the disorder involve the characteristics of schizophrenia and mood disorder. An individual struggling with schizoaffective disorder experiences psychosis and various mood episodes. 

Psychotic Symptoms 

These symptoms are associated with schizophrenia that impacts an individual’s perception of reality, thoughts, and behaviors. 

• Hallucination: individuals hear voices and see or feel things that are not there 
• Delusions: these are false beliefs that an individual fixates on, but there is no reality to them. 
• Disorganised thinking: this makes individuals challenging to follow a conversation or complete tasks.  
• Disorganised behaviour: it includes acting impulsively or inappropriately.  

Mood Symptoms 

These symptoms affect a person's mood. They may vary for each individual and can range from mild to severe.  

• Mania: This is a state of mind which makes an individual feel euphoria and get a rapid succession of thoughts. During mania, they feel restless and need to indulge in activities constantly. Their desire to sleep is reduced. They experience an inflated sense of power and self-importance. 

• Depression: the state of depression makes an individual feel persistently sad, hopeless, or irritable. They lose interest or pleasure in activities and experience significant weight loss or gain. They constantly feel fatigued or lack energy and have difficulty concentrating.  

Risk Factors of Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type

Research is still emerging to find the exact cause of schizoaffective disorder. As of now, there is no proven cause, but there are several factors that can contribute to the development of the disorder.  

Close blood relative 

Schizoaffective disorder in the family, especially close blood relatives, increases the development of the disorder. The disorder is not caused by a single gene but by a complex interplay of multiple genes. Research suggests a strong genetic link between schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia, which often co-occurs in families.  

Stressful events 

There is no direct link between stressful events and schizoaffective disorder, but they can act as triggers for individuals already on the verge of the condition. It is generally caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Stress can disrupt the brain chemistry causing mood swings and psychosis.  

Altering drugs 

While the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, altering drugs can be a significant risk factor for its development. Altering drugs impact brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate, which play a crucial role in mood, cognition, and perception. Disrupting the balance can trigger psychosis. 

Diagnosing Schizoaffective Disorder 

To diagnose the disorder there are no laboratory tests, but doctors evaluate the medical history and the answers to certain questions given by the affected individual to deliver a diagnosis. They also conduct brain scans and blood tests to ensure any external factors contribute to the disorder.  

Criteria for Diagnosis 

Healthcare professionals may use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), outlined by the American Psychiatric Association. An individual must experience symptoms of schizophrenia for a significant period and exhibit psychotic symptoms. Mood disturbances must be present for a majority of active illness periods. The diagnosis excludes cases where symptoms are solely due to a medical condition, substance use, or medicinal side effects.  

Differential Diagnosis 

Differential diagnosis involves careful elimination of other possibilities, which helps mental health professionals diagnose accurately. The disorder is tricky to diagnose because of its symptoms. To differentiate the disorder from schizophrenia, an individual must experience at least two weeks of psychotic symptoms without prominent mood changes. While bipolar and schizoaffective disorder involves mood swings, the latter has an added presence of psychotic symptoms.  

Differences Between Schizoaffective and Bipolar Disorders 

It is essential to differentiate between these two disorders as they can influence diagnosis, treatment, and overall well-being. Although both disorders have certain similarities, like mood swings, there are some distinctions. 

Key Distinctions 

There are a few key distinctions between both disorders that help mental health professionals diagnose and develop an effective treatment plan. Individuals with schizoaffective disorder experience mood swings along with psychotic features, while bipolar disorder primarily shows extreme mood swings. Duration of psychotic symptoms lasts for at least two weeks independent of mood episodes, but in bipolar, they are short-lived or not present at all.  

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters 

The right treatment approach depends heavily on the specific diagnosis. The disorder required a combination of medication to manage the symptoms, along with therapy to develop coping mechanisms. However, bipolar disorder requires mood stabilizers and therapies designed explicitly for mood episodes. Misdiagnosing the disorder can lead to potential worsening symptoms and delay recovery. Accurate diagnosis can help provide targeted support and improve the quality of life. It can also contribute to future treatment advancement.  

Treatment Options for Schizoaffective Disorder 

Treatment for schizoaffective disorder primarily focuses on managing the symptoms and providing a healthy life to affected individuals. Various treatments are offered together for the most effective results.  

Medications 

Medications significantly help to manage the severe symptoms of the disorder. Doctors may prescribe medication according to your symptoms of bipolar disorder along with schizophrenia. Medication for psychotic symptoms is called antipsychotics, and for mood-related symptoms, antidepressants are prescribed. Mood stabilizers are primarily used to prevent and treat mania.  

Psychotherapy and Support 

Psychotherapy helps an individual struggling with the disorder to understand their illness, establish goals, and manage everyday hurdles. Mental health professionals generally recommend two types of therapy: individual and family. Individual therapy helps to normalize thought patterns and reduce symptoms; it also equips individuals with effective coping strategies. Family therapy helps make the treatment more effective by helping families learn how to support them.  

Lifestyle and Home Remedies 

There are particular lifestyle changes a person can adopt to effectively manage the disorder or reduce the chances of developing it. Maintaining sleep hygiene can regulate mood and cognitive functions. A healthy diet and regular exercise help in maintaining overall well-being. Practicing relaxation techniques can effectively manage stress. As per home remedies, always discuss them with the doctor before implementing them. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D might offer some benefit in managing symptoms.  

Living with Schizoaffective Disorder 

If you notice any signs of schizoaffective disorder in yourself, you need to talk to a healthcare provider at the earliest. After an accurate diagnosis, you need to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare personnel to manage the symptoms and lead a healthy life.  

Managing Symptoms 

Living with schizoaffective disorder can be challenging, but with treatment strategies and management techniques, one can effectively manage the symptoms. An individual must take prescribed medication to manage psychotic symptoms and mood swings. Regularly attending therapy sessions will be helpful in developing coping mechanisms, identifying triggers, and improving overall well-being. Apart from medical treatment, one must implement self-management strategies like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, identifying triggers, building a support system, and staying hopeful. 

Support Networks 

Building a support network would make the ongoing treatment more effective. Connect with friends and family by being honest about the diagnosis. Educating them about the condition will allow them to offer more informed support. Explore support groups specifically for individuals suffering from the same disorder. These groups offer a safe space to connect with others who understand your struggles and share coping strategies. Connect with your therapist or counselor and case manager regularly to evaluate progress. Try to build a supportive relationship with understanding people. 

Overcome Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type with Cadabams 

Living with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, needs lifelong treatment and management. t cadabams we have the best mental healthcare professionals with experience treating the disorder. We have been helping people with mental health issues for over 30 years. Our experts work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop an effective treatment plan. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to manage the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 97414 76476. You can even email us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.  

FAQ 

1. How is Schizoaffective Disorder Different from Bipolar Disorder? 

There are some key differences that influence diagnosis and treatment. Schizoaffective disorder involves psychotic symptoms for a significant duration, even without mood episodes. Bipolar disorder may include psychotic symptoms but typically resolves along with mood swings.  

2. What is Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type? 

This is a mental health condition characterized by experiencing both mood swings like bipolar disorder and psychotic symptoms similar to schizophrenia. This is a complex condition, but one can manage the symptoms and live a fulfilling life with treatment.  

3. What Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies Can Help Manage Schizoaffective Disorder? 

Adapting a few lifestyle changes, like a regular sleep schedule, a healthy diet, regular exercise, substance abuse abstinence, and implementing stress management techniques, can significantly help to manage the symptoms. You can try introducing omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in the diet. But try home remedies after briefly discussing them with the doctor.

4. What Treatment Options are Available for Schizoaffective Disorder? 

A comprehensive treatment approach is required to manage the mood swings and psychotic symptoms of schizoaffective disorder. Medication management, along with psychotherapy, is used to help with the disorder.