Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that causes a mixture of schizophrenia-like symptoms and mood disorder symptoms. If this disorder is disrupting your life, take control by seeking treatment at Jehovahs Behavioral Care, led by Grace Fomunung, PMHNP, in Lilburn, Georgia. The practice offers both in-person and telehealth visits. Book your appointment online or over the phone today.

What is schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health disorder that causes you to experience symptoms of both psychosis and mood disorders and is divided into two types, bipolar type (when you experience episodes of mania and sometimes major depression) and depressive type (when you experience depressive episodes). 

Along with manic and/or depressive episodes, schizoaffective disorder can produce schizophrenia-like symptoms, including but not limited to: 

• Delusions 
• Hallucinations
• Impaired or incoherent communication and speech
• Bizarre or uncharacteristic behavior
• Trouble managing 
• Impaired academic, social, and/or occupational functioning
• Feeling empty, sad, or worthless
• Experiencing periods of increased energy with a decreased need to sleep
• Problems managing cleanliness and physical appearance

To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, your symptoms must include a major mood episode and at least a two-week period of psychotic symptoms when a major mood episode is not present.

Who is at risk for schizoaffective disorder?

Though anyone can develop schizoaffective disorder, you’re more likely to do so if:

• You have a close blood relative (e.g., a parent or sibling) who has schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
• You are in a stressful situation that may trigger symptoms
• You take mind-altering drugs, which can trigger or worsen the dormant symptoms of schizoaffective disorder 

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder usually first appear during the late teen years or early adulthood through the age of 30.

When should you seek medical care for schizoaffective disorder?

Without treatment, schizoaffective disorder can wreak havoc on your personal and professional or academic life. It can make it hard to hold down a job, attend classes, take care of yourself, and interact with others. If you are experiencing loneliness or struggling with daily functioning, it may be time to seek help. Whenever you’re ready, Jehovahs Behavioral Care is ready to assist you.

When you visit the practice to discuss your schizoaffective symptoms, your team will begin by asking you questions about the nature of your symptoms and when they began, how you function in your daily life, your medical history, and your family’s medical history.

Questions like these help your team better understand you and your concerns so they can develop the best treatment plan possible. Possible treatments your team may recommend include: 

• Lifeskills training
• Individual therapy
• Group or family therapy
• Medications, such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, or antidepressants
  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by schizoaffective disorder, remember that you’re not alone. To get help, book an appointment with Jehovahs Behavioral Care online or over the phone today.