schizoaffective-disorder

Mercy Options Schizoaffective Disorder Myths Mental illness is not: Hopeless Something to fear Untreatable Something you have to justify to others A personal deficit Weakness Failure Something to be ashamed about Something you have to go through alone

What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

Even mental health professionals have difficulty defining exactly what schizoaffective disorder is, since its symptoms can vary from person to person, and sometimes day to day.

The National Mental Health Association describes it this way: “Schizoaffective disorder symptoms look like a mixture of major mental illnesses that are usually thought to run in different families, involve different brain mechanisms, develop in different ways, and respond to different treatments: mood (affective) disorders and schizophrenia.”

Schizoaffective disorder usually begins in early adulthood and is more common in women.

There is no known single cause, but researchers are currently studying genetic predisposition, critical moments in brain development and environmental factors.

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Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder The two major mood disorders associated with schizoaffective disorder are depression and bipolar (manic-depressive) illness alternating with symptoms of psychosis.

People with mood disorders usually appear normal between episodes of illness and rarely become more seriously disabled as time goes on.

Manic symptoms: • Increased energy, activity and restlessness • Overly high or euphoric mood • Decreased need for sleep • Extreme irritability • Loud, fast and/or incoherent speech • Racing thoughts • Feeling all-powerful and fearless • Increased sexual drive • Poor judgment, often leading to spending sprees • Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior • Denial that anything is wrong • Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol and sleeping medication

Depression symptoms: • Constant feelings of downheartedness, sadness or emptiness • Cry easily • Little interest or pleasure in daily activities and hobbies • Everything feels like an effort • No pleasure or joy in anything • Loss of energy or tiredness for no reason • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness • Indecisiveness and trouble concentrating or remembering • Restless and easily annoyed or irritated • Persistent negative and/or disturbing thoughts • Changes in appetite, with significant weight loss or gain • Changes in sleeping patterns, from insomnia to oversleeping • Loss of interest in sex • Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment; e.g., headaches, digestive disorders or chronic pain • Feelings of isolation • Thoughts of suicide or death

Psychotic symptoms: • Appearance of apathy and emotional unresponsiveness • Limited or disorganized speech capabilities • Delusions or hallucinations • Confused thinking • Inappropriate emotional reactions • Strange and perplexing behaviors • Hearing internal voices • Thinking that others are reading their mind or plotting harm

Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder Schizoaffective disorder is thought to be a long-term, chronic illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life. Fortunately, people with this disorder can have a better quality of life with proper treatment that often includes a combination of medication and therapy. A visit to your mental health provider or physician is needed to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Steps to Help Yourself Do your best to remain active – Choose an activity you enjoy and make it part of your regular routine.

Avoid being alone too much – Seek out family and friends you can talk to and who will listen.

Do not set difficult goals or take on added responsibility – Break larger tasks into smaller ones that you can accomplish.

Avoid making major life decisions – Try taking it one day at a time.

Go easy on yourself – Don’t expect too much, too fast. Treat yourself with kindness and respect.

Follow your doctor’s orders – Take your medication as prescribed, eat right and keep your appointments.