Schizoaffective disorder symptoms & treatments are critical to understand when dealing with a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis. Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health disorder that is characterized by symptoms of both mood disorders and schizophrenia symptoms. Continue reading to find out more.
Schizoaffective Disorder Symptoms
Schizoaffective disorder can be broken down into two categories: bipolar type and depressive type. These types may change what symptoms appear. Those with the condition experience psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, as well as symptoms of a mood disorder.
Symptoms may include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Incoherency
- Depression
- Mania
- Poor social functioning
How is Schizoaffective Disorder Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is an involved process that may take some time to rule out other causes or symptoms. Generally, your doctor or mental health provider will request a number of physical exams to ensure that symptoms are not arising from some other issue. Additionally, a mental health professional will request or perform a full psychiatric evaluation. This may include interviews with family members or friends.
To receive a diagnosis, there are certain criteria that need to be met in order to receive a diagnosis. These criteria are found within the DSM-5.
Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
Schizoaffective disorder is treated similarly to schizophrenia. Those with schizoaffective disorder generally respond best to a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and life skills training. Treatment also varies depending on which type of schizoaffective disorder the patient is diagnosed with.
Medications
The medications that are generally diagnosed include antipsychotics, mood-stabilizing medications for those with a bipolar-type diagnosis, and anti-depressants for those with depressive-type schizoaffective disorder.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a critical part of treatment for those with schizoaffective disorder. Particularly once symptoms of hallucinations or delusions have been dealt with through antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy allows the patient to reintegrate into society and reality.
How Can The Mentally STRONG Method Help Us?
Through The Mentally STRONG Method, those suffering from schizoaffective disorder can understand their condition and work towards treatment.
Learn more about The Mentally STRONG Method as your first step!