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Schizoaffective disorder

mental health condition where you experience psychosis as well as mood symptoms

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition where you can experience psychosis and mood symptoms. Schizoaffective disorder is its own diagnosis and differs from schizophrenia and bipolar because it is seen as a psychotic condition with significant mood features, rather than a mood disorder with psychosis.  

The word ‘schizoaffective’ can be broken down into two parts: 

  • ‘Schizo’ referring to symptoms of psychosis and 
  • ‘affective‘ referring to mood symptoms. 

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 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from a traumatic event, childhood trauma or genetics. Similarly, no one experiences the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder in the same way. 

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. 

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 psychosis.
  • Depressive schizoaffective: This is where you only have depressive episodes alongside psychosis.

Symptoms

There are general symptoms that are common – these can be divided into two groups, psychosis symptoms and mood symptoms.

Psychosis symptoms

These symptoms are closely linked to schizophrenia but are essentially forms of psychosis.

Hallucinations: This is when you experience events and things around you that others do not. For example, you may have visual hallucinations or hear voices.

Delusions: This is when you hold very strong beliefs that nobody else shares. For example, you may believe you have supernatural powers.

Mood symptoms

These symptoms are closely linked to bipolar and are sometimes called ‘episodes’.

Depressive symptoms: This is where you may feel low and experience other problems such as isolation and encounter sleep problems. You may also experience suicidal feelings.

Manic symptoms: This is when you feel extremely excited or irritated. You may partake in behaviour that puts you or others at risk, or not think through plans.

These symptoms can be experienced in conjunction with each other and it may vary how long they last for.

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.

Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual and it may take time to find the most effective combination. Contact your local GP on the NHS inform website for more information.

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 type of recommend relaxation such as yoga, walking or deep breathing.

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

Change Mental Health runs the Hearing Voices service in Tayside and Fife, to support people to live around their voices and other symptoms of psychosis. Our support pages share lived experiences from our staff and people supported within the service and how we support people to develop strategies when coping with psychosis symptoms.

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.

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