As some of you guys like to call it, schizoaff or schizo affective psychosis, is technically called schizoaffective disorder. Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by a combination of schizophrenia symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, and mood disorder symptoms, such as mania or depression. The exact cause of schizoaffective disorder is not known, but it is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and brain chemistry factors. It is also known to be a chronic condition that often requires lifelong treatment.

Schizoaffective Pathophysiology

The specific cause of schizoaffective disorder is not yet fully understood, and the pathophysiology of the disorder is complex and likely involves multiple factors. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors may play a role in the development of the disorder.

Genetic Factors: There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors may contribute to the development of schizoaffective disorder. Studies have shown that individuals with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder have a higher risk of developing the disorder themselves.

Environmental Factors: Trauma and stress have been shown to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Exposure to trauma, such as abuse or neglect, during childhood or adolescence, or exposure to significant life stressors, such as major life changes or chronic stress, may increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.

Neurobiological Factors: Abnormalities in brain structure and function have been implicated in the development of schizoaffective disorder. For example, research has shown that changes in the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, as well as structural changes in the brain, may be involved.

Types Of Schizoaffective Disorder

There are different types of schizoaffective disorder, based on the mood symptoms that a person experiences:

• Bipolar type: This type of schizoaffective disorder involves episodes of mania or hypomania, as well as periods of depression.
• Depressive type: This type of schizoaffective disorder involves mainly depressive episodes without periods of mania or hypomania.

The diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder generally requires that the individual experiences psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, for at least two weeks in the absence of mood symptoms, as well as meeting criteria for a major mood episode (either depression or mania) for a significant portion of the illness.

Schizoaffective Symptoms

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can vary depending on whether the person is experiencing a manic or depressive episode. Common symptoms include:

• Delusions and/or hallucinations
• Disordered or confused thinking
• Difficulty with concentration, memory, and decision making
• Episodes of mania or depression
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Decreased emotional expression or intonation
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Schizoaffective vs Schizophrenia

Schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia share many similar symptoms, but there are also some key differences between the two conditions.

Similarities:

-Both conditions involve psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations.
-People with both conditions may experience disordered thinking or speech.
-Social isolation and difficulty functioning in daily life are common in both conditions.
-Both conditions can be triggered by stress or traumatic events.
-Treatment for both conditions may include medication and therapy.

Differences:

-Schizophrenia is primarily characterized by psychotic symptoms, while schizoaffective disorder includes both psychotic symptoms and mood symptoms.
-In schizoaffective disorder, individuals may experience periods of mania or depression, while in schizophrenia, these mood symptoms are less prominent.
-The course of schizoaffective disorder tends to be cyclical, with periods of exacerbation of symptoms alternating with periods of relative stability. In contrast, the symptoms of schizophrenia can be more chronic and persistent.
-Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in early adulthood, while schizoaffective disorder is more likely to be diagnosed in the late teenage years or early adulthood.

Schizoaffective Disorder Treatments

 Therapies (schizoaffective therapist)


 There are several therapies that may be helpful in managing    
 the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, either on their own or                
 in combination with medication.  These may include:



           -Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk    
              therapy that of schizoaffective disorder, either on their own
              or in  helps individuals change negative thought patterns       
              and  behaviors that change negative thought patterns
              change negative thought patterns and  behaviors that 
              contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and 
              psychosis.                  
             

           -Family therapy: Family therapy can help family members 
             understand and cope with a loved one's condition, maintain     
             open communication, and reduce stress and conflict.
     

           -Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help 
             individuals with schizoaffective disorder develop practical
             skills and coping strategies to improve daily functioning, 
             such as managing routines and maintaining relationships.
  
             
           -Art therapy: Art therapy involves engaging in creative 
             activities such as 
             drawing, painting, and sculpture in a therapeutic setting.          


           -Group therapy: In group therapy, individuals with 
             schizoaffective disorder can share experiences and coping
             strategies with others who are going through similar 
             challenges. 
       


    Medications



Schizoaffective disorder is typically treated with a combination of medications and therapy. There are several medications that may be used to manage the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, including:

Antipsychotic medications: These medications are often used to manage the psychotic symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, such as hallucinations and delusions. Examples of antipsychotics commonly used include risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine.

Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers may be used to manage the mood symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, including manic or depressive episodes. These medications may include lithium, valproic acid, or carbamazepine.

Antidepressants: Antidepressants may be used to manage symptoms of depression that may occur in individuals with schizoaffective disorder. Examples of antidepressants that may be prescribed include fluoxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine.

I was once in a group therapy, simultaneously, I hated it.  I felt 
extremely uncomfortable.  I always felt that the others in the
group would critique me  (good, old anxiety) on the things that I                                       
would share.  Therefore, I was ready to jump out of my skin.  I    
probably should have kept going because maybe my anxiety wouldn't be so bad (or none at all).  Consequently, I am taking Olanzapine for the psychotic episodes.  My psychiatrist thinks that that is what caused the symptoms of the Parkinson's Disease (she didn't tell me that in the beginning). But it's working, so we decided not to change it.  I have a hard time adjusting to new meds.

Conclusion

Schizoaffective disorder is often treated with a combination of medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers, as well as therapy and support of family and loved ones. Yes, I have definitely have become socially withdrawn or isolated myself. That’s not how life should go (according to society), but I’m happy. I ask, what’s wrong with that? Nobody bothers me, which is the way I like it.

Articles

-Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Schizoaffective Disorder

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms

-Schizoaffective Disorder

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541012/

-Schizoaffective Disorder

https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/mental-health-schizoaffective-disorder

Have a Good One,

Cindee, One Voice – Unstoppable

“You’re not alone!”