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:
- ‘Schizo’ referring to symptoms of psychosis
- ‘affective’ referring to mood symptoms, like feeling depressed, manic or both.
People with schizoaffective disorder are at increased risk of social isolation, unemployment and suicidal thoughts. The guide below explores symptoms 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
The idea that individuals with schizoaffective disorder are violent is a harmful and stigmatising stereotype. 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 effectively
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 two 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.
symptoms
Below we list the common symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders (that can be divided into groups: mania, depression or both). 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 Major 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 suicidal thoughts or feelings.
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)
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 of schizoaffective disorder
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.
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 ways you can look after yourself if you are experiencing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder:
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.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
Change Mental Health runs the Hearing Voices service in Tayside and Fife, to support people to live with their voices, or experience schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar and other related conditions.
You can contact our Tayside team through email (tayside@changemh.org) or by calling 0131 563 0223.
Our Fife team are contactable through email (fifeservices@changemh.org) or by calling 01333 841304.
