Mood Swings and Mind Shadows: A Schizoaffective Bipolar Story

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story. What is schizoaffective disorder with bipolar type? Obviously schizoaffective and bipolar disorder together. What a combination!

I’m having hallucinations and having a good time while doing it. Then the depression hits and it’s not so much fun anymore.

I remember when I moved in with my second ex-husband, I started buying clothes like they were going out of style. Mania was kicking in.

I still have those clothes, but now, I can’t fit into anyone of them. The schizoaffective disorder was there, although I hid it from my ex-husband.

Difference Between Bipolar and Schizoaffective

Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder are both mental health conditions that share some symptoms, but they have key differences:

Symptoms

Schizoaffective disorder is a combination of schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder.

People with schizoaffective disorder experience symptoms of both psychosis and mood episodes.

While people with bipolar disorder often only experience psychosis during a mood swing.

Diagnosis

Schizoaffective disorder is often misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia because it’s so uncommon.

Treatment

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story. People with bipolar disorder often respond well to a single mood stabilizer.

While people with schizoaffective disorder are usually given a mood stabilizer and an atypical antipsychotic.

Psychotic Features

People with schizoaffective disorder may experience psychotic features even when they don’t have mood symptoms or after they improve.

Medication

Antipsychotic medications can help resolve symptoms of schizoaffective disorder quickly, sometimes within 3-5 days.

Subtypes

Schizoaffective disorder is classified into two subtypes: schizoaffective bipolar type and schizoaffective depressive type.

Bipolar 1 & 2 Schizoaffective Disorder

Bipolar 1 Schizoaffective Disorder

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story.

Accordingly, Bipolar I Schizoaffective Disorder is a mental health condition that encompasses features of both Bipolar I Disorder and Schizoaffective Disorder.

Here’s a breakdown of each component:

Bipolar I Disorder: This disorder is characterized by at least one manic episode, which can be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Basically, manic episodes involve elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and often risky or impulsive behavior. The severity of manic episodes can significantly impact daily functioning.
Schizoaffective Disorder: This disorder includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (such as hallucinations or delusions) and mood disorder symptoms (either depressive or manic). In schizoaffective disorder, mood symptoms are present for a substantial part of the illness, but there are also periods when psychotic symptoms occur independently of mood episodes.

When these two disorders are combined, individuals may experience:

Manic Episodes: Thus, full-blown manic episodes typical of Bipolar I disorder, which can include extreme mood elevation, increased energy, and impulsive behavior.
Psychotic Symptoms: Hallucinations or delusions that can occur during manic or depressive episodes, or even during periods of stability when mood symptoms are not present.

The diagnosis of Bipolar I Schizoaffective Disorder can be complex due to the overlapping symptoms.

Treatment typically involves a combination of mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and psychotherapy to help manage both mood and psychotic symptoms effectively.

Bipolar 2 Schizoaffective Disorder

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story.

Altogether, Bipolar II Schizoaffective Disorder is a complex mental health condition that combines features of both bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder.

Here’s a breakdown of the components:

Bipolar II Disorder: This is characterized by episodes of depression and at least one hypomanic episode (a milder form of mania). Individuals with Bipolar II experience significant mood swings, but they do not have the full-blown manic episodes seen in Bipolar I Disorder.
Schizoaffective Disorder: This disorder includes symptoms of both schizophrenia (such as hallucinations or delusions) and mood disorder symptoms (depression or mania). In schizoaffective disorder, mood symptoms are present for a significant portion of the illness, but there are also periods where psychotic symptoms occur independently of mood episodes.

When these two disorders are combined, individuals may experience:

Mood Episodes: Comparatively, fluctuations between hypomanic and depressive episodes typical of Bipolar II disorder.
Psychotic Symptoms: Hallucinations or delusions that can occur during mood episodes or independently.

Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms.

Treatment typically involves a combination of mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, and psychotherapy to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

How is Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type Diagnosed?

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story. A psychiatrist or other mental health profess.ional diagnoses schizoaffective disorder through a mental health assessment.

Therefore, this includes a physical exam, tests, and screenings.

Mental Health Evaluation

The professional assesses your mental status by observing your appearance and behavior. I was in a bad place with my appearance and especially my behavior.

Also by asking about your thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, and substance use. They may also ask about your family and personal history.

Physical Exam

The professional checks for any physical problems that could be causing your symptoms. I was checked from head to toe, no physical symptoms.

At any rate, I kind of knew that a mental illness diagnosis was coming because of the weird things I was seeing and hearing.

Tests and Screenings

These may include blood and urine tests, drug tests, and imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan.

I didn’t do a MRI or CT scan for my screening. Don’t know why. But I did my research and knew what was coming.

Diagnostic Manuals

The professional may use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) to help diagnose you.

Schizoaffective disorder is diagnosed when someone has symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder, for at least two weeks.

The symptoms must be severe enough to cause distress or interfere with daily life.

Because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are similar to other conditions, diagnosis can be difficult and may take more than one assessment.

What do People With Schizoaffective disorder Bipolar Type Act Like?

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story. It looks like they’re talking to themselves because they believe they are talking to someone.

You often wonder if other people heard what you heard.

What you see and hear sounds are so real that you just assume that it is real. This happened to me before I was ever diagnosed.

When people ask “what did you say,” and they give you those questioning looks, you know something is wrong. I was more on the quiet side in revealing anything I saw.

Although, I knew something was wrong, but was afraid to admit it. I was already an outkast, I didn’t want to add on to that growing pile.

What Triggers Schizoaffective Bipolar Episodes?

My triggers were suttle. Usually I was by myself and in the midst of doing regular things. I would hear things that weren’t real because they were usually voices.

Contrarily, with the bipolar, I believe my environment caused the mood swings. Towards the end of the marriage with my first ex-husband, it turned bad.

He always had a temper and it became worse after he lost his carpentry job during 2007. Consequently, we lost out house and eventually I told him I wanted a divorce.

There were a lot of depressive episodes after that point. As I have said, my mania started when I moved in with my second ex-husband.

Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type Symptoms

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story.

Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, is characterized by a combination of symptoms from both mood disorders (specifically bipolar disorder) and schizophrenia.

Here are the key symptoms associated with this condition:

Mood Symptoms

Manic Episodes:
- Firstly, Elevated mood or irritability
- Increased energy or activity levels
- Decreased need for sleep
- Racing thoughts or flight of ideas
- Impulsivity or poor judgment (e.g., spending sprees, risky behaviors)
- Lastly, Increased talkativeness or pressured speech
Depressive Episodes:
- Firstly, Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Fourthly, Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Lastly, Thoughts of death or suicide

Psychotic Symptoms

Hence, these symptoms can occur during mood episodes or independently:

Hallucinations:
- Hearing voices or seeing things that are not present
- Sensory experiences that others do not perceive
Delusions:
- Certainly, strongly held false beliefs that are not based in reality (e.g., beliefs of grandeur, paranoia, or persecution)
Disorganized Thinking:
- At length, difficulty organizing thoughts, leading to incoherent speech or difficulty following conversations

Duration and Impact

To be diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, individuals must experience mood episodes (manic or depressive) concurrently with psychotic symptoms.
The psychotic symptoms must also occur during periods of mood stability, distinguishing this disorder from other mood disorders with psychotic features.

Important Considerations

Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration and may change over time.
The impact on daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life can be significant.

Treatments for Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type

Best Medication for Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story. The treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, typically involves a combination of medications to address both mood symptoms and psychotic symptoms.

Furthermore, the best medication regimen can vary from person to person, depending on individual symptoms, side effects, and response to treatment.

Here are some commonly used classes of medications:

1. Mood Stabilizers

Lithium: Generally, often used to stabilize mood and reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes.
Valproate (Depakote): An anticonvulsant that can also help stabilize mood and manage manic episodes.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal): Another anticonvulsant that is effective for mood stabilization, particularly in preventing depressive episodes.

2. Antipsychotic Medications

Atypical Antipsychotics: These are often preferred due to their effectiveness and generally more favorable side effect profiles. Common options include:
- Quetiapine (Seroquel): Notwithstanding, effective for both mood stabilization and managing psychotic symptoms.
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Used for treating manic episodes and psychosis.
- Risperidone (Risperdal): Effective for managing both mood and psychotic symptoms.
- Lurasidone (Latuda): Moreover, approved for treating depressive episodes in bipolar disorder and can help with psychotic symptoms.
- Aripiprazole (Abilify): Can be used to manage mood symptoms and psychosis.

3. Antidepressants

SSRIs or SNRIs: These may be used cautiously to treat depressive episodes, but they should be monitored closely, as they can sometimes trigger manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.
SSRIs
- Fluoxetine (Prozac): In brief, an SSRI that is often used to treat depression and can help improve mood.
- Sertraline (Zoloft): Another SSRI that is effective for depression and anxiety disorders.
- Escitalopram (Lexapro): Nonetheless, an SSRI that is commonly prescribed for depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
SNRIs
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR): An SNRI that can help with depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Likewise, an SNRI effective for depression, anxiety, and certain types of chronic pain.
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq): An SNRI that is used to treat major depressive disorder.

Best Therapies for Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story. In like manner, the treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type, often involves a combination of various therapeutic approaches.

Here are some of the best therapies that can be beneficial for individuals with this condition:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Focus: CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Therefore, it can be effective in managing symptoms of both mood disorders and psychosis.
Benefits: It can help with coping strategies, improving mood, and reducing the impact of psychotic symptoms.

2. Psychoeducation

Focus: In sum, this involves educating the individual and their family about the disorder, treatment options, and coping strategies.
Benefits: Understanding the condition can empower individuals and their families, improve adherence to treatment, and reduce stigma.

3. Supportive Therapy

Focus: Supportive therapy provides emotional support and encouragement. It helps individuals express their feelings and concerns in a safe environment.
Benefits: In effect, it can enhance self-esteem, provide validation, and help individuals feel less isolated.

4. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Focus: IPT addresses interpersonal issues and helps improve relationships, which can be particularly important for those experiencing mood swings and psychosis.
Benefits: Thus, it can help improve social functioning and support networks.

5. Family Therapy

Focus: Involving family members in therapy can help improve communication and understanding within the family.
Benefits: In essence, it can reduce conflict, enhance support systems, and educate family members about the disorder.

6. Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques

Focus: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, relaxation exercises, and stress management can help individuals cope with anxiety and stress.
Benefits: These practices can promote emotional regulation and improve overall well-being.

7. Group Therapy

Focus: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges.
Benefits: Straightaway, it can foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.

Important Considerations

Personalization: The effectiveness of therapy can vary based on individual needs and preferences. A personalized approach is essential.
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: It’s crucial for individuals to work closely with their mental health professionals. Therefore, this determines the best therapeutic approaches alongside medication management.

Engaging in therapy can significantly enhance the effectiveness of medication and improve overall quality of life for individuals with Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type.

How Rare is Schizoaffective Bipolar?

In particular, schizoaffective disorder is a rare mental illness that affects about 0.3% of the US population, or 3 in every 1,000 people.

It’s thought to be less common than schizophrenia and mood disorders alone. Figures, I would get it. I get all those rare side effects from medicines also.

That’s how I got the Parkinson’s tremors which was from Zyprexa. It was supposed to be a rare symptom called dyskinesia.

Even if I stopped the Zyprexa, there’s still a chance that the tremors are permanent. And to only get worse. I still would like to switch over to holistic medicine.

Living With Schizoaffective Bipolar Type Disorder

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story. Living with schizoaffective bipolar type disorder is interesting.

That’s the only way I want to look at it. I could go on about all the bad things, but what’s the point.

Sometimes, I complain a little, but I don’t see any use for it. I get to hear thing and see things that nobody else can hear or see. How quaint is that. My own secret world.

For the bipolar part, I will complain. There’s no fun in flying back and fourth between manic and depressive moods. Although, I’d rather be in a manic mood than depressive.

When you’re depressed, your view is so negative about everything. Plus, if you have suicidal thoughts, for me, they are very deadly (meaning metaphorically).

Sum It All Up

Mood swings and mind shadows: a schizoaffective bipolar story. You have to try to have an upbeat mood when you have schizoaffective bipolar type disorder.

If you don’t, you’d have a very hard time getting through life.

There are some things you just need to take less seriously. You’ll keep fighting a war with yourself that could land you in a dyer condition. Hence, I learned that the hard way over and over.

Life is so much simpler if you just accept (because it’s not going anywhere) the diagnosis and live with it.

Although there are many things in the world right now that can bring you down, don’t let a diagnosis affect you so much that you just want to give up. That’s not the solution. Until next time…

Articles About Schizoaffective Bipolar Type Disorder

-Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type

https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-schizoaffective-disorder

-What is Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder?

https://www.brightquest.com/schizoaffective-disorder/bipolar-schizoaffective-disorder/

-Does schizoaffective disorder get worse with age?

https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/schizoaffective-disorder-progression-with-age#:~:text=That%20said%2C%20more%20often%20than,illness%20can%20go%20into%20remission.

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy
“One Voice Conquering Schizoaffective Bipolar Type Disorder”

“But the ‘mixed state,’ the mercurial churning of both high and low, is the most dangerous … the impulsive nature and physical speed of psychotic mania coupled with depression’s paranoid self-loathing.” –David Lovelace

“One of the things so bad about depression and bipolar disorder is that if you don’t have prior awareness, you don’t have any idea what hit you.” –Kay Redfield Jamison

“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” -Rumi

“I think that I’m a better problem-solver because of my schizophrenia. When you have to question reality every single day, I think that makes you change how you view the world.” — Cecilia McGough

Interesting Posts

Schizo Affective Psychosis: Ins And Outs(Opens in a new browser tab)

What Triggers Schizoaffective Disorder?(Opens in a new browser tab)

How a Person With Bipolar Thinks(Opens in a new browser tab)

When Darkness Speaks: The Reality of Psychotic Depression(Opens in a new browser tab)