Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental condition that causes both a loss of contact with reality (psychosis) and mood problems.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The exact cause of schizoaffective disorder is unknown. Changes in genes and chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) may play a role. Some experts do not believe it is a separate disorder from schizophrenia.

Schizoaffective disorder is thought to be less common than schizophrenia and mood disorders. Women may have the condition more often than men. Schizoaffective disorder tends to be rare in children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are different in each person. Often, people with schizoaffective disorder seek treatment for problems with mood, daily function, or abnormal thoughts.

Psychosis and mood problems may occur at the same time or by themselves. The disorder may involve cycles of severe symptoms followed by improvement.

The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can include:

• Changes in appetite and energy


• Disorganized speech that is not logical


• False beliefs (delusions), such as thinking someone is trying to harm you (paranoia) or thinking that special messages are hidden in common places (delusions of reference)


• Lack of concern with hygiene or grooming


• Mood that is either too good, or depressed or irritable


• Problems sleeping


• Problems with concentration


• Sadness or hopelessness


• Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)


• Social isolation


• Speaking so quickly that others cannot interrupt you

Signs and tests

Your health care provider will do a mental health assessment to find out about your behavior and symptoms. You may be referred to a psychiatrist to confirm the diagnosis.

To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, you must have psychotic symptoms during a period of normal mood for at least 2 weeks.

The combination of psychotic and mood symptoms in schizoaffective disorder can be seen in other illnesses, such as bipolar disorder. Extreme disturbance in mood is an important part of schizoaffective disorder.

Before diagnosing schizoaffective disorder, the health care provider will rule out medical and drug-related conditions and other mental disorders that cause psychotic or mood symptoms. For example, psychotic or mood disorder symptoms can occur in people who:

• Abuse cocaine, amphetamines, or phencyclidine (PCP)


• Have seizure disorders


• Take steroid medications

Treatment

Treatment can vary. In general, your health care provider will prescribe medicines to improve your mood and treat psychosis.

• Antipsychotic medicines are used to treat psychotic symptoms.


• Antidepressant medicines, or mood stabilizers, may be prescribed to improve mood.

Talk therapy can help with creating plans, solving problems, and maintaining relationships. Group therapy can help with social isolation.

Support and work training may be helpful for work skills, relationships, money management, and living situations.

Expectations (prognosis)

People with schizoaffective disorder have a greater chance of going back to their previous level of function than do people with most other psychotic disorders. However, long-term treatment is often needed, and results can vary from person to person.

Complications

Complications are similar to those for schizophrenia and major mood disorders. These include:

• Abuse of drugs


• Problems following medical treatment and therapy


• Problems due to manic behavior (for example, spending sprees, overly sexual behavior)


• Suicidal behavior

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care or mental health provider if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following:

• Depression with feelings of hopelessness or helplessness


• Inability to care for basic personal needs


• Increase in energy and involvement in risky behavior that is sudden and not normal for you (for instance, going days without sleeping and feeling no need for sleep)


• Strange or unusual thoughts or perceptions


• Symptoms that get worse or do not improve with treatment


• Thoughts of suicide or of harming others