Schizoaffective Disorder: How Is It Managed?

Within the category of psychotic disorders there are: schizophrenia. But there are also other types of disorders: transient psychotic disorder, delusional, schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorder (schizophrenia). Let’s analyze the schizoaffective disorder. It is a disease with symptoms of schizophrenia. It begins with the manifestation of mood disorders (depression or bipolar disorder). These symptoms should occur for one month and are followed by only two weeks of schizophrenic symptoms. We can therefore speak of a diagnosis of a schizoaffective disorder.

The causes of this condition? They are the combination of several factors, especially on a biological basis and genetic components. We speak of a natural predisposition to the development of the disease. Schizoaffective disorder is rarer than schizophrenia and affects women more. It can appear in adulthood, as well as in adolescence. Symptoms can present in a strong way to negatively affect the progress of daily life, but they can also disappear and reappear later.

The consequences of a schizoaffective disorder can give: loss of contact with reality and tend towards antisocial isolation. A late diagnosis has negative consequences. Sometimes it can even lead to suicide. For a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a physical examination to eliminate symptoms of other pathologies and to have the opinion of a psychiatrist. After the diagnosis of the condition is confirmed, supportive therapy can be activated, which may require the involvement of family members.

Therapeutic treatment usually involves the combination of: psychotherapy and drug therapy. The first involves managing symptoms and reducing social dysfunction. The second is drugs to relieve symptoms such as mood stabilization and the treatment of pathological relapses. The therapy changes depending on the severity of the symptoms of the condition.