By HLeviticus
Identification
Schizoaffective disorder, the combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, affects at least 25 percent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Diagnosis can be difficult and a person with schizoaffective disorder may be initially classified as schizophrenic or bipolar only. Treatment involves both medication and ongoing psychiatric care.
There are two types of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar subtype and depressive subtype. The bipolar subtype is characterized by schizophrenia symptoms accompanied by mania. Depressive symptoms may also occur with this subtype. The depressive subtype is identified by schizophrenia symptoms accompanied by major depressive episodes.
Symptoms
People with schizoaffective disorder have the classic symptoms association with schizophrenia, such as paranoia, disorganized thoughts and hallucinations, coupled with mood disturbances. Mood disturbances make up the bipolar component of the disease and cause mania and depression. Symptoms of depression include lack of energy, gaining or losing weight, loss of interest in normal activities, guilt, feeling hopeless, poor appetite, agitation, trouble concentrating and suicidal thoughts. The manic phase is characterized by racing thoughts, rapid talking, decreased need for sleep, agitation, self-destructive behavior and increased activity. A person going through a manic phase may have an elevated sense of self-esteem and think that there is nothing that he can't accomplish.
Other symptoms of schizoaffective disorder may include irritability, difficulty controlling anger, incoherent speech, memory problems, catatonic behavior, trouble sleeping and inattention to personal hygiene.
Genetics seems to play a part in the disorder, and if you have a close relative with schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia or a mood disorder, your chances of developing the disease may increase. Some scientists think that viruses or malnutrition during the fetal stage of development may be responsible for the disorder.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It is not unusual for people with schizoaffective disorder to be unaware that they have a problem. They may only see a psychiatrist at the urging of family members or if their behavior causes them to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Diagnosis is based on patient symptoms and observation. A physical examination can help rule out other causes for symptoms. Such conditions as epilepsy, thyroid disease, Cushing's syndrome, metabolic syndrome and drug and alcohol abuse can sometimes produce symptoms similar to schizoaffective disorder.
Treatment for schizoaffective disorder involves prescribing medication to handle both the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There is no cure for the disorder and long-term treatment is necessary to prevent relapses. Antipsychotics are used to relieve the most troublesome symptoms of schizophrenia, while mood stabilizers and anti-depressants help with the mood swings, mania and depression associated with bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is used to help patients work on problem-solving, relationship, social and coping skills. Group therapy can be helpful in reducing the isolation that people with the disorder feel. Family members may find family therapy helpful in understanding the disorder and developing effective coping strategies.
Schizophrenia Bipolar Disorder by alohawellness.com