Signs and Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder

The term schizoaffective disorder was first used in the 1930's to describe the symptoms of a patient who had hallucinations, delusions and a disturbed mood. Schizoaffective disorder is a major psychiatric disorder that is similar to schizophrenia. It affects all the aspects of daily living such as work, social relationships and self-care skills.

Schizoaffective disorder shares the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disturbances of depression and mania or bipolar disorder, but is far less common than these disorders.

SCHIZOPHRENIA, DEPRESSION, MANIA AND BIPOLAR

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality and relates to others. Symptoms of schizophrenia are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, odd or unusual behavior, slow movements or total immobility, lack of emotion in facial expression and speech, poor motivation and problems with speech and communication.

Depression is an illness that is characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness or hopelessness, problems and concentrating and remembering details. Other symptoms of depression include poor appetite, weight loss or gain, change in sleeping patterns, agitation, lack of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, guilt or self-blame and thoughts of death or suicide.

Mania, the opposite of depression, is an illness characterized by increased activity during work, social and sexual activity, increased and/or rapid talking, rapid or racing thoughts, little need for sleep, agitation, inflated self-esteem, distractibility and self-destructive or dangerous behavior.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes that include severe highs or mania and lows or depression. Symptoms of bipolar disorder include those of depression and mania.

There are two subtypes of schizoaffective disorder. The bipolar type applies if a manic episode or mixed episode is present. Major depressive episodes may also occur. The depressive type applies only if a major depressive episode is present.

SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER

The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include elevated, inflated or depressed mood; irritability and poor temper control; changes in appetite, energy or sleep; hallucinations such as hearing voices; delusions of reference; paranoia; deteriorating concern with hygiene and grooming and disorganized and illogical speech. Alcohol and drug abuse may also result from schizoaffective disorder because a patient may want to escape from the disturbing symptoms.

The causes of schizoaffective disorder remain unknown, but genetics and body chemistry are believed to play a role. It is possibly brought on by an imbalance in brain chemicals such as dopamine. It usually begins in the late teen years or during early adulthood between the ages of 16 and 30 years of age. Research shows that it occurs slightly more often in women than men.

DIAGNOSIS OF SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER

The diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder can be difficult because of the symptoms being similar to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Diagnosis is usually made when the symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder are present at the same time for a minimum of two weeks. Medical tests include x-rays and blood tests. The factors that help in the diagnosis include: 1) The onset is typically during early adulthood. 2) Watching a moving object is usually difficult for the person with the disorder. 3) Rapid eye movement or REM sleep occurs abnormally early. 4) Women are more susceptible than men. Most patients have had a prior diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder before they are diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder.

TREATMENT AND PROGNOSIS OF SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER

Treatment options include medications, electroconvulsive therapy, psychological counseling and support from family and friends. The most effective treatment is a combination of medications and psychosocial intervention in order to avoid relapses and to maintain the quality of life.

The prognosis of schizoaffective disorder is more favorable than that of those who have schizophrenia or other mood disorders. Long term treatment is necessary and individual outcomes will vary.

Approximately one in every two hundred people develops schizoaffective disorder at some time during their lifetime. It is important for the family members and the patients that are affected by schizoaffective disorder to accept all the help and support that is made available to them and to learn all they can about the disorder.