What is schizoaffective disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is a complex mental illness that involves a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and bipolar disorder symptoms. In fact, many people with schizoaffective disorder are improperly diagnosed at first because this condition overlaps so much with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
There are two main types of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar and depressive. Both involve symptoms of psychosis, like hallucinations and delusions. People with the bipolar type experience episodes of mania and sometimes depression. Those with the depressive type only have episodes of depression.
Without treatment, schizoaffective disorder may lead to serious complications, like social isolation, unemployment, substance abuse, or suicide.
What are the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder?
Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder vary in type and severity, and include:
- Delusions, or false, fixed beliefs that are not based in reality
- Hallucinations, like hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there
- Disorganized thinking or difficulty communicating effectively
- Depression or feeling sad and hopeless
- Mania or an elevated mood with an increase in energy
Any of these symptoms can cause problems with work, school, and social functioning. People with schizoaffective disorder may also have trouble managing self-care, like personal hygiene and physical appearance.
People with schizoaffective disorder may have other mental health conditions at the same time, like anxiety disorders or substance abuse.
How is schizoaffective disorder diagnosed and treated?
Schizoaffective disorder is difficult to diagnose because it’s so similar to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. As a highly trained psychiatrist, Dr. Ziyar conducts a thorough physical and psychological evaluation to accurately diagnose the condition.
He then works with you to develop a treatment plan to effectively manage the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder. Dr. Ziyar utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to treatment, which considers all biological, psychological, and social factors that influence mental health.
Schizoaffective disorder requires long-term treatment, including a combination of psychotherapy and medication management. Dr. Ziyar may also recommend additional programs focused on improving social and vocational skills.
Hospitalization may be necessary during times of crisis and severe symptoms, like suicidal thoughts or behavior.
If you or someone close to you show signs of schizoaffective disorder, call the office of Latif Ziyar, M.D., Inc, or book an appointment online today.
