Voices and Vibes: Living with Schizoaffective Disorder and Bipolar

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar is a little bit complicated.

So, I have schizophrenia and I have bipolar, does that mean I have schizoaffective disorder bipolar type? Likewise, I’ve never asked what my diagnoses were.

I only figure them out by symptoms and the meds I take. I suppose I should ask one of these days.

Consequently, I remember one Christmas, standing at my bedroom window watching the snow fall, praying that I don’t have another delusion. That wish never came true.

What’s the difference between schizoaffective and schizophrenia disorders?

One one hand, schizoaffective is a chronic mental illness that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder.

On the other hand, schizophrenia affects a person’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and social interactions.

Schizoaffective Bipolar Type Causes

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar may have a list of risk factors.

Schizoaffective disorder, particularly the bipolar type, is a complicated mental health condition.

It is characterized by a combination of symptoms of schizophrenia (such as hallucinations or delusions) and mood disorder symptoms (such as those seen in bipolar disorder, including manic and depressive episodes).

The exact causes of schizoaffective disorder are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development:

Genetics

A family history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other mood disorders may increase the risk of developing schizoaffective disorder.

Altogether, genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing these conditions.

Brain Chemistry and Structure

Imbalances in neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin) are thought to contribute to the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder.

Additionally, physical deformities in certain areas of the brain may be associated with the disorder.

Environmental Factors

Stressful life events, trauma, or exposure to certain environmental factors (such as drug abuse or prenatal exposure to infections) may trigger or worsen symptoms in individuals who are a genetic risk factor.

Psychological Factors

Personal history of mental health issues, coping mechanisms, and personality traits may influence the onset and course of schizoaffective disorder.

Substance Use

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar can be affected with recreational drugs or alcohol.

Also, the use of drugs or alcohol can trigger or worsen symptoms in individuals with a predisposition to schizoaffective disorder.

Certain substances may mimic or exacerbate the symptoms of the disorder.

Developmental Factors

Basically, issues during brain development, whether in utero or during early childhood, may contribute to the risk of developing schizoaffective disorder later in life.

Understanding the interplay of these factors is crucial for developing effective treatment and support strategies for individuals affected by schizoaffective disorder with bipolar type.

Schizoaffective Bipolar Type Symptoms

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar have many symptoms between the two.

Schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, combines features of both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The symptoms can vary widely among individuals but generally include:

1. Mood Symptoms:

Manic Episodes: Elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, and grandiosity.
Depressive Episodes: Thus, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite, and thoughts of death or suicide.

2. Psychotic Symptoms:

Hallucinations: Experiencing things that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there.
Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs that preosecuting, which is not based in reality, such as believing one has special powers.

3. Cognitive Symptoms:

Disorganized Thinking: Difficulty organizing thoughts, leading to incoherent speech or trouble concentrating.
Impaired Insight: Correspnondingly, lack of awareness of the disorder or the impact of symptoms on daily functioning.

4. Behavioral Symptoms:

Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions and isolating oneself from friends and family.
Changes in Functioning: Difficulty in maintaining work, school, or personal relationships due to mood swings and psychotic symptoms.

5. Physical Symptoms:

Changes in Sleep Patterns: Insomnia during manic phases and excessive sleeping during depressive phases.
Altered Appetite: Eventually, increased or decreased appetite, which can lead to weight changes.

6. Duration of Symptoms:

In brief, symptoms of mood episodes (manic or depressive) may occur concurrently with psychotic symptoms, and the duration can vary, with episodes lasting days to weeks.

How to Diagnose Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar needs to be 100% accurate with diagnosis.

Diagnosing schizoaffective disorder puts the person through a mental health assessment and physical exam, and by ruling out other conditions:

Mental Health Assessment

As a result, a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder requires the following criteria:

Firstly, periods of uninterrupted mental illness, including a mood disorder or depression
An episode of mania, depression, or both, along with symptoms of schizophrenia
At least two weeks of psychotic symptoms without mood symptoms
Lastly, no evidence of substance use disorder or medications causing the symptoms

Schizoaffective Bipolar Type Treatments

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar have really good treatments.

Treating schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and support services.

At length, here are the primary treatment options:

1. Medications:

Antipsychotics: Using these meds to manage psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions. Examples include risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine.
Mood Stabilizers: Medications like lithium or valproate help stabilize mood and prevent the extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression) associated with bipolar disorder.
Antidepressants: In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage depressive symptoms, although they are used cautiously due to the risk of triggering manic episodes.
Benzodiazepines: These may be used temporarily to manage anxiety or agitation but are not a long-term solution.

2. Psychotherapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Conversely, this therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, providing coping strategies for managing symptoms.
Supportive Therapy: This focuses on providing emotional support and guidance, helping individuals cope with the challenges of their condition.
Family Therapy: Forthermore, involving family members in therapy can improve communication and support within the family unit, helping to reduce stress and misunderstandings.

3. Lifestyle Modifications:

Regular Exercise: Firstly, physical activity can help improve mood and reduce stress.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet can positively impact overall mental health.
Sleep Hygiene: Lastly, establishing a regular sleep routine can help manage mood and reduce symptoms.

4. Psychoeducation:

Educating individuals and their families about the disorder can enhance understanding and reduce stigma. Generally, this helps them recognize symptoms early and seek help promptly.

5. Support Groups:

Forthwith, participating in support groups can provide a sense of community and shared experience, helping individuals feel less isolated.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA):
Mental Health America (MHA)

6. Crisis Management:

By and large, developing a crisis plan can help individuals and their families know what to do in case of a severe episode, ensuring timely intervention.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988

7. Regular Monitoring:

In essence, ongoing follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to monitor symptoms, medication effectiveness, and any side effects.

How Rare is Schizoaffective Bipolar?

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar which is kind of rare.

Schizoaffective disorder, particularly the bipolar type, is considered relatively rare compared to other mental health disorders.

Estimates suggest that schizoaffective disorder occurs in about 0.3% of the general population.

Within this group, the bipolar type is one of the two main types, the other being the depressive type.

However, it is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which can affect extent estimates.

Why is it that people (Facebook) is afraid to publish posts on schizophrenia. It is a real diagnosis. Or is it because it’s a mental illness and we don’t talk about that.

I’m tired of the bullsh*t surrounding having mental illness (especially schizophrenia). Or you can’t talk about suicide. Indeed, they are real problems everywhere.

Don’t act like it doesn’t exist. I’ve been through both and they’re something that needs to be talked about. I’ve said my peace!!

What Does Schizoaffective Bipolar Type Look Like?

From experience, when you have schizoaffective bipolar type disorder, you have delusions and hallucinations while your manic or depressed. Double whammy!

Mine was mostly when I was manic. When I moved into my first apartment after the first divorce, I had a delusion. Subsequently, it lasted almost a whole year.

Even so, I really felt like people were trying to hurt me, so I stayed inside the apartment most of the time. A couple of times, the fire department was there.(oops).

Now, I’ve been free from delusions for about five months. I do hope it stays like that, but there is always that chance…

What is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder?

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar lives a shorter life than average people.

Nonetheless, the life expectancy of a person with schizoaffective disorder, particularly the bipolar type, can be influenced by various factors.

This includes the severity of the disorder, the presence of co-occurring medical conditions, access to treatment, and the effectiveness of that treatment.

In any event, research indicates that individuals with schizoaffective disorder may have a reduced life expectancy compared to the general population.

This can be attributed to several factors, including higher rates of suicide, cardiovascular diseases, and other health complications.

What is the Dark Side of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder can have several challenging and distressing aspects, often referred to as the “dark side” of the condition. Some of these include:

Mood Swings: In effect, individuals may experience extreme mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows, which can disrupt daily life and relationships.
Impulsivity: During manic episodes, individuals may engage in risky behaviors, such as excessive spending, substance abuse, or unsafe sexual practices.
Suicidal Thoughts: In particular, the depressive phases can lead to feelings of hopelessness and suicidal ideation, making it crucial for individuals to receive adequate support and intervention.
Relationships Strain: The unpredictable nature of mood swings can strain relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, leading to isolation and loneliness.
Stigmatization: Important to realize, people with bipolar disorder may face stigma and misunderstanding, which can contribute to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek help.
Co-occurring Disorders: Many individuals with bipolar disorder may also struggle with other mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, or ADHD, complicating their treatment.
Employment Challenges: The symptoms can impact job performance and stability, leading to difficulties in maintaining employment.
Cognitive Impairments: Some individuals may experience cognitive issues, such as difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making, which can affect daily functioning.
Medication Side Effects: While medications can be effective in managing symptoms, they may also come with side effects that can impact quality of life.
Fear of Recurrence: Individuals may live with the constant worry of experiencing future episodes, which can lead to anxiety and avoidance behaviors.

What Famous People Have Schizoaffective Disorder?

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar have famous people that live with this openly.

Several well-known individuals have been reported to have schizoaffective disorder or have spoken about their experiences with similar mental health challenges.

While specific diagnoses may not always be publicly confirmed, here are a few notable figures often associated with schizoaffective disorder or related conditions:

Vincent van Gogh: Notwithstanding, the famous painter is often speculated to have had various mental health issues, including symptoms consistent with schizoaffective disorder.
Mary Todd Lincoln: The wife of President Abraham Lincoln struggled with mental health issues throughout her life, which some historians suggest may have included schizoaffective disorder.
David Foster Wallace: In another case, the acclaimed author and essayist openly discussed his mental health struggles, and some interpretations of his condition align with schizoaffective disorder.
Syd Barrett: The founding member of Pink Floyd experienced significant mental health challenges, including symptoms that have been associated with schizoaffective disorder.
John Nash: In addition, the Nobel Prize-winning mathematician was diagnosed with schizophrenia, but his experiences and symptoms have sometimes been associated with schizoaffective disorder.
Axl Rose: Meanwhile, the lead singer of Guns N’ Roses has spoken about his struggles with mental health, including mood disorders.

Sum It All Up

Voices and vibes: living with schizoaffective disorder and bipolar is possible with proper treatment and a solid social support.

I’m sorry, I’m a little pissed at Facebook because they think they have to be “politically correct.” Back to my post.

Schizoaffective bipolar type is fairly rare, but it is also misdiagnosed or not even at all. Likewise, I don’t know if I have it since I have schizophrenia and bipolar.

It’s not an illness that should be “swept under the rug.” There are a lot of individuals who don’t get help because they’re afraid of the stigma or they can’t afford to get help.

I’ve run into that problem, not being able to afford help. So I’m relying solely on meds. I hope those don’t let me down like Facebook did. Until next time…

an elderly man behind the glass window — Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com

Articles About Schizoaffective Bipolar Type

-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/

-What is the life expectancy of someone with schizoaffective disorder?

https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/life-expectancy-schizoaffective-disorder#:~:text=There%20is%20evidence%20to%20suggest,women%20diagnosed%20with%20schizoaffective%20disorder.

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy
“One Voice That Doesn’t Know All Of My Diagnoses”

“I learned a saying in the hospital. When you get cancer, people bring you cake. When you get a mental illness, people run away. But that’s not my experience at all. My friends and family all supported me. It’s not all bad.” — Mindy Tsai, Becoming Whole

“I often felt like I was watching everyone else live out in the real world while I was trapped behind a glass wall, stuck in a bad movie with too many plot holes. Life didn’t make sense.” – Unknown

“You can’t see it, but I can definitely feel it. You don’t understand it, but it’s what I know. I deal with it on a daily basis. Therefore, you either think I’m lazy, or you feel sorry for me, but I’m stronger than you’ll ever know. I fight every day. I don’t want your sympathy—I just want to be treated with respect.” – Unknown

“I have schizophrenia. My eyes do see. My ears do hear. I am still me, so let’s be clear. My memory may fade, my walk may slow, but I am me inside. Don’t let me go.” – Unknown

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Interesting Posts

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

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

Mood Swings and Mind Shadows: A Schizoaffective Bipolar Story(Opens in a new browser tab)

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