Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment

Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder affecting one percent of the population. When the condition is active, a person may experience various symptoms. These symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, trouble with thinking, and trouble with speech.

Schizoaffective disorder is one type of schizophrenia. It is a mental health disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms. A person with this disorder may experience hallucinations, delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression and mania.

There are two types of schizoaffective disorder that include symptoms of schizophrenia: bipolar and depressive. The bipolar type has episodes of mania and, in some cases, major depression. The depressive type of schizoaffective disorder only includes major depressive episodes.

People with schizoaffective disorder may experience various problems depending on the type of condition. For instance, people might struggle with functioning at work, school, or in certain social settings. This can lead to loneliness and make it difficult for a person to hold a job or attend school.

Having untreated schizoaffective disorder can disrupt a person’s daily life. However, proper treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Difference Between Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizophrenia is a condition that affects a person’s mood and can make them feel detached from reality. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder that affects the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotion, and interprets reality.

Schizophrenia isn’t the most common major mental illness. However, it is the most chronic and disabling. Schizoaffective disorder is one of the four major types of schizophrenia.

Signs of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia includes a range of problems with thinking, behavior, and emotions. While the symptoms of schizophrenia may vary, it usually includes delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech.

Here is a further look at some common symptoms of the disorder:

Delusions

A person may have false beliefs that do not reflect reality. For instance, someone may firmly believe that they are being harmed or harassed, even if it’s not true.

Disorganized Speech

A person with schizophrenia may have disorganized speech, which is a result of disorganized thinking. The ability to communicate can be impaired.

Negative Symptoms

Some individuals with schizophrenia may experience adverse symptoms. When a person is experiencing these symptoms, they lack the ability or reduced ability to function normally.

Hallucinations

An individual may experience hallucinations, which involve seeing and hearing things that don’t exist. The most common hallucination is hearing voices.

Disorganized/Abnormal Motor Behavior:

A person with schizophrenia may have extremely chaotic or abnormal motor behavior that can show up in many ways. For instance, an individual may have childlike silliness or become agitated in an unpredictable manner.

Causes

It is not yet known what causes schizophrenia. Research suggests that the disorder is caused by physical, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Here is a closer look at some potential risk factors for the disorder:

Risk Factors

Genetics: Schizophrenia often runs in families. But, no single gene is thought to be responsible for this condition. It is believed that one or more genes can make a person vulnerable to the condition. But having these genes doesn't mean a person will develop the disorder.
Brain Development: Previous studies have shown that people with schizophrenia have subtle differences in brain structure.
Neurotransmitters: There is some connection between neurotransmitters and schizophrenia. The drugs that alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain have been shown to relieve the symptoms of the condition.

Triggers

Specific triggers can cause schizophrenia to develop in individuals who are already at risk. A stressful life event is the primary psychological trigger for the condition. A stressful event may include bereavement, divorce, losing a job, ending a relationship, or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Drug Abuse

While drug abuse does not directly cause schizophrenia, some studies show that drug misuse may increase the risk of developing the condition.

Treatments

People with schizophrenia will need lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have lessened. The good news is that many effective treatments help manage the condition’s symptoms.

It’s important to note that a psychiatrist specializing in the condition will guide treatment. A person’s treatment plan may include a psychologist, social worker, or nurse. A mental health professional should help guide the course of treatment.

Here are some standard treatment options for schizophrenia disorder:

Medications

Antipsychotic medications are the most commonly prescribed drug for those with schizophrenia. These medications control symptoms by affecting dopamine and other chemicals in the brain. These medications have mood-stabilizing properties and help people struggling with this condition.

With these medications, people should be able to manage signs and symptoms to improve their quality of life. In some cases, people with the condition will be put on a combination of medications to ensure they are working.

Second-Generation Antipsychotics

These antipsychotics are newer medications with a lower risk of severe side effects. As a result, these medications are often the preferred choice for patients.

Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics

Certain antipsychotics are given as intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. These injections are given every two to four weeks, depending on the medication.

Psychosocial Interventions

There are some therapies that are effective for schizophrenia. These therapies are integrated after psychosis recedes and is used in addition to medication. Professionals can help people struggling with the disorder determine the best treatment.

Some treatment options include:

Individual Therapy: This type of therapy can help normalize thought patterns, helps individuals cope with stress, and identify early signs of relapse.
Social Skills Training: This training focuses on improving communication and social interactions. This helps individuals living with schizophrenia participate in daily life.
Family Therapy: This therapy provides support and education for families dealing with the condition.

Schizoaffective Treatment in Orange County, CA

Our clinical team is passionate about helping others live their best quality of life. We offer comprehensive mental health services while incorporating therapies and a holistic philosophy to help meet your goals. We treat various mental health conditions at Enhance Health Group and support patients as they learn to manage their symptoms.

Each treatment is tailored to your needs, whether you’re living with depression, anxiety, schizoaffective disorder, or living with another condition. If you or a loved one has schizophrenia and would like to seek treatment, contact us today to get started.