Schizoaffective disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines the symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders (mania or depression or both). Because of these blended symptoms, it is seen as its own diagnosis.
The word ‘schizoaffective’ can be broken down into two parts:
Schizoaffective disorder is a lesser known condition that affects approximately 1 in 300 people in their lifetime. Symptoms can occur at any age, but most people tend to experience symptoms as young adults. People with schizoaffective disorder are at increased risk of social isolation, unemployment and suicidal thoughts. The guide below explores symptoms and causes, as well as treatment and support options.
myths about schizoaffective disorder
schizoaffective disorder is just another name for schizophrenia
Schizoaffective disorder is not the same as schizophrenia. While schizophrenia involves primarily psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, schizoaffective disorder includes these symptoms plus significant mood disorder components similar to depression, mania or bipolar.
people with schizoaffective disorder are always violent
This myth is based on harmful and stigmatising stereotypes. Most people with this condition are not violent and are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violence.
Schizoaffective disorder cannot be treated
Despite being a chronic condition, schizoaffective disorder can be effectively managed. Treatment typically includes medication and psychotherapy, along with lifestyle changes and social support. With a comprehensive treatment plan, many individuals can manage their symptoms well and enjoy a good quality of life.
types
There are three types of schizoaffective disorder:
- Bipolar schizoaffective: This is where you have manic episodes and depressive episodes alongside schizophrenia symptoms.
- Depressive schizoaffective: This is where you only have depressive episodes alongside schizophrenia symptoms.
- Mixed schizoaffective: This is where you have symptoms of mania, depression and schizophrenia within an episode.
symptoms
To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, you need to experience both schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms.
Core symptoms of schizophrenia:
- Hallucinations: Experiencing sensory inputs that are not present, such as hearing voices.
- Delusions: You may believe things that are not true, often involving paranoia.
- Disorganised speech: You may begin to talk quickly or slowly, and the things you say might not make sense to other people.
- Disorganised or catatonic behaviour: You might struggle to organise your life or you may feel unable to move.
- Negative symptoms: They involve loss of ability and enjoyment in life, for example a lack of interest in activities that were previously important (like work, studies or sport), blunted emotional reactions, poor hygiene or preferring to be alone.
Symptoms of a depressive episode
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most of the days
- Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
- Changes in appetite
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Symptoms of a manic episode:
- Unusually high self-esteem
- Decreased need for sleep
- Being more talkative than usual
- Racing thoughts or flight of ideas
- Being easily distracted
- Increased goal-directed activity (e.g., starting lots of projects)
- Risky behaviour (e.g., overspending, impulsive sex, reckless driving or gambling)
diagnosis
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, it’s important you speak to a GP. A GP can refer you to a psychiatrist who can give you a full mental health assessment. Only psychiatrists are able to diagnose individuals with schizoaffective disorder.
Due to the overlapping symptoms of schizoaffective disorder with other conditions, it is common for individuals to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar. This is problematic as the support and treatment needs vary across the conditions, so it may result in individuals not receiving the right support when they need it.
causes
There is not one root cause of schizoaffective disorder, however it is believed that it is likely caused by a combination of factors such as:
- Genetics: Specific gene variations, often shared with schizophrenia and bipolar, increase risk.
- Trauma: Individuals with schizoaffective disorder report higher rates of childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Stress: Both daily life stressors and major life events (e.g., bereavement, financial hardship) can trigger psychotic or mood episodes in vulnerable individuals.
treatment
Effective treatment for schizoaffective disorder often involves a combination of approaches:
Medication: Antipsychotics can help manage psychotic symptoms, while mood stabilisers and antidepressants address mood-related symptoms.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy can be beneficial in helping individuals understand and manage their symptoms.
Support groups: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and shared experience, reducing feelings of isolation.
tips for looking after yourself
There can be a certain stigma attached to schizoaffective disorder. It is important to look after yourself and your mental health. What works for others may not work for you. It is worth trying various ways of self-care until you find what suits you. Here are some examples of things you can try:
Recognising your triggers:
Keeping a log of your experiences may help you spot patterns in your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, which may help you regulate your emotions when experiencing some of the symptoms.
Reach out to a loved one:
Talking to someone you trust about how you feel is invaluable. Confide in them about your experiences and feelings and remember they love you and want to help you.
Try new ways of relaxing:
There are never enough ways to relax but try a new relaxation techniques, such as walking in nature, deep breathing or mindfulness.
Engaging in creative activities:
Pursuing hobbies like painting, writing or playing music can be therapeutic. Creative activities can help you express your emotions and provide a positive distraction from stress.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and ensuring adequate sleep can have a significant impact on your mental health. Healthy lifestyle choices can improve your overall wellbeing and help manage symptoms.
how can I support someone with schizoaffective disorder?
Knowing what you can do to help support someone manage their diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder can be challenging. Here are some ways that can help:
1. Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about schizoaffective disorder, including its symptoms, potential triggers and available treatments. Having a better understanding of the condition can help you feel more confident in offering support and having meaningful conversations.
2. Encourage treatment: Encourage the person to engage with treatment and support services, while respecting their choices – even if it differs from what you would choose.
3. Ask how they want to receive support: Everyone’s needs are different. Some people appreciate practical support, such as help with attending appointments or managing daily tasks, while others prefer emotional support during difficult times. Having a conversation about their preferences can help establish healthy boundaries and ensure your support is helpful.
4. Check in regularly: Regularly checking in can make a significant difference to someone’s wellbeing. Creating a supportive environment where they feel listened to and understood may help them feel less isolated and more comfortable seeking help when they need it.
5. Look after your own wellbeing: Supporting someone with a mental health condition can be emotionally demanding. It can help to talk to others who are in similar situations, such as through a peer support group. Make sure you take breaks, set healthy boundaries, and make time for activities you enjoy to maintain your own wellbeing.
support
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well as supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
Hearing Voices
Change Mental Health runs the Hearing Voices service in Fife, to support people to live with their voices, or experience schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar and other related conditions.
You can contact our Fife team through the email (fifeservices@changemh.org) or by calling 01333540167.
