Schizoaffective Disorder

What is schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that produces symptoms of both mood disorders and schizophrenia.

How does it occur?

The cause of schizoaffective disorder is unknown. It seems to occur more in some families, and stress may trigger an episode. About one person in 100 has schizoaffective disorder.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are those of both schizophrenia and mood disorders and may include:

• hallucinations (you may hear, see, or feel things that aren't there)
• delusions (false beliefs)
• not taking care of yourself (for example, not bathing or grooming)
• speaking in a way that makes no sense to others
• withdrawing or feeling isolated from other people
• thoughts that race from one idea to the next
• feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, and anxiety
• feelings of being very happy, powerful, energetic
• feeling drained of energy
• feeling very energetic
• losing or gaining weight
• being unable to concentrate
• sleeping more or less than normal

How is it diagnosed?

You should tell your healthcare provider or a psychiatrist if you are having symptoms of this disorder. Sometimes it is hard for people with mental illness to recognize that they are not well. Take the advice of your friends or family members if they are encouraging you to seek help.

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, relationships, history of drug and alcohol use, medical problems, and family history of medical conditions and mental illnesses. He or she may do a physical exam or order tests to rule out medical conditions.

How is it treated?

Medicines are the most important part of the treatment of schizoaffective disorder. They can make a big difference in how you feel and think. Take your medicine as prescribed, even when you are feeling and thinking well. Otherwise your symptoms are likely to worsen. Watch closely for any side effects of your medicine, and report them to your healthcare provider.

Schizoaffective disorder can change the way you relate to others and the way you think about everyday activities. You may need someone to assist you with your daily needs. You may need help managing your money or running errands, for example. You may live in a group setting with others who also have this illness.

If your symptoms are severe, you may need to go to the hospital until they improve. While you are in the hospital your medicine may be changed, and you may attend groups to learn skills such as how to deal with stress.

How long do the effects last?

Schizoaffective disorder is usually a lifelong illness. Without proper treatment, people with this disorder may be unable to hold a job, go to school, or live alone.

What can I do to help myself?

• Learn as much as you can about your illness, its symptoms, and its treatment. Most libraries and bookstores have books on mental illness.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Do not drink a lot of caffeine.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs, especially if you are taking medicine. They can make your symptoms worse.
• Learn skills to deal with stress. Stress can make your symptoms worse.
• Tell your therapist or healthcare provider about any changes in your symptoms or in the effectiveness of your medicines.
• Ask your provider or therapist if there are any support groups in your area for people with schizoaffective disorder.
• Get emergency care if you or a loved one have serious thoughts of suicide or harming others.

For more information, contact the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), or Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association or NMHA).

• DBSA's toll-free telephone number is 1-800-826-3632. The Web site address is http://www.dbsalliance.org.
• NAMI's toll-free number is 1-800-950-NAMI. NAMI's web site address is http://www.nami.org.
• You can call NMHA's Information Center toll free at 1-800-969-NMHA. NMHA's web site address is http://www.NMHA.org.

Written by Psychiatric Professional Services, Inc.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.