Schizoaffective disorder is a major mental illness that is usually debilitating for its sufferers.
It's a combination of two types of mental illnesses - schizophrenia and affective (mood) disorder.
This mood disorder may be something like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Fewer than 1 in 200 people suffer from this mental illness, but it has a huge impact on every aspect of their lives.
The Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder If you suffer from schizoaffective disorder, you'll exhibit symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorder.
Schizophrenia symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech or behavior.
The most common sign of an affective disorder is extreme depression that lasts for days or even weeks.
This includes sadness, feelings of worthlessness, lack of interest in things you enjoy, and possibly thoughts of suicide.
Dramatic mood swings from extremes of happiness and depression may also occur.
Schizoaffective disorder is relatively new and little understood.
While therapists have lots of experience dealing with schizophrenia and affective disorder on their own, the combination is largely uncharted territory.
The Cause of Schizoaffective Disorder While the cause isn't exactly known, this mental illness appears to be caused by a brain disease that interferes with the brain's regular functioning.
Genetics plays a part and there is also evidence of altered brain chemistry.
Injuries, illnesses, substance abuse, and stress can all cause an onset of symptoms.
Symptoms usually start to appear when the person is between the ages of 16 and 25.
This disorder is more common in women than in men and very rare in children.
If someone in your family suffers from schizoaffective disorder, you're at higher risk for developing the condition yourself.
Living with Schizoaffective Disease Medications are usually used to help manage the symptoms of schizoaffective disease.
There is a wide range of medication options available for therapists to use.
It all depends on the individual being treated.
Everyone reacts differently and it usually takes some trial and error before the doctor selects the drug that works best.
Psychotherapy is an important part of treating this condition as well.
The patient will have one-on-one sessions with the therapist as well as group therapy sessions.
These will focus on life skills, planning for the future, and strategies for dealing with the disorder.
Group therapy is especially important since social isolation is such a factor in this mental illness.
If the patient is unable to care for themselves, the therapist may choose to put them in special housing where they'll be supervised.
People who suffer from schizoaffective disorders are at much higher risk of substance abuse problems and many are unable to care for themselves on a day-to-day basis.
There is no known cure for schizoaffective disorder, but the treatments described above can help patients manage the disease and live a normal life.
Community groups and family support also help.