Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health condition. It combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood episodes. The most noticeable symptoms are hallucinations and delusions, known as psychosis. Mood episodes may look like either depression or bipolar disorder. During these episodes, psychotic symptoms may become more extreme. 

People experience mood symptoms and psychosis in many different combinations. Schizoaffective disorder is just one example, and it’s one of the rarest mental health conditions. It’s distinct from schizophrenia, which often co-occurs with other disorders. Bipolar disorder with psychotic features is yet another combination. People with this condition typically only experience psychosis during a mood swing. For a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, there must be a period of at least two weeks when there are psychotic symptoms without prominent mood symptoms.

For those experiencing severe mood or psychotic symptoms, a psychiatric assessment and treatment are essential. They should also receive regular care from a psychiatrist and therapist. If their symptoms change, they may need a new diagnosis and treatment plan. 

People with schizoaffective disorder may need daily support from loved ones or care providers. Clinical care teams can provide education and guidance to help families work together effectively. When they have the care they need, it is possible for people with schizoaffective disorder to manage their symptoms. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the common symptoms and potential causes of this condition.

What symptoms are associated with schizoaffective disorder?

There are two types of schizoaffective disorder — bipolar type and depressive type. Most people with this condition either have depressive episodes or manic or hypomanic episodes, which are characteristic of bipolar disorder. Some have both. They also have symptoms of schizophrenia. These usually include delusions or hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, and difficulty functioning, among others. 

These symptoms of schizophrenia may occur in people with schizoaffective disorder:

• Delusions, which are strongly held beliefs that aren’t true
• Hallucinations or hearing voices or seeing things that others don’t 
• Disorganized thinking and speech
• Strange or unusual behavior
• Moving or speaking slowly
• Agitation or restlessness
• Emotional blunting
• Difficulty with activities of daily living
• Difficulty with social situations

People with schizoaffective disorder may also experience these symptoms of depression:

• Feeling empty, sad or worthless
• Low energy or fatigue
• Changes in appetite or sleep habits
• Physical symptoms such as aches and pains or indigestion
• Difficulty staying focused or remembering things
• Loss of interest in activities one usually enjoys

Some people with schizoaffective disorder experience these symptoms of manic or hypomanic episodes:

• Excessive energy 
• Extreme positive mood
• Little to no need for sleep over several days or weeks
• Talking a lot or speaking quickly
• Risky or impulsive behavior

What are some common causes of schizoaffective disorder?

The exact causes of schizoaffective disorder are unknown. Many people who have it know of family members with related conditions. Stressful or traumatic experiences, especially early in life, can bring out symptoms. Changes in brain chemistry may play a role in the condition, but it’s not entirely clear as of now. Taking mind-altering drugs can also trigger psychotic symptoms in people who have this condition.

The following are some factors that can make a person more likely to develop schizoaffective disorder:

• Stressful or traumatic life events — Abuse, traumatic loss, surviving an accident or disaster, or other stressful experiences
• Childhood trauma — Having one’s needs neglected, living in an unstable environment, or otherwise feeling unsafe
• Brain chemistry — Imbalances in neurotransmitters 
• Family history — Having an immediate family member with schizophrenia or a related condition

When left untreated, schizoaffective disorder can cause significant life difficulties. People may isolate themselves from others and struggle to care for themselves. There is hope that people with schizoaffective disorder can manage their symptoms and live rewarding, meaningful lives. Early detection and treatment create the best outcomes. Family and close friends can learn how to support their loved one effectively when they’re involved in their treatment.

At Lightfully, we provide higher levels of mental health treatment in tranquil care environments. We help people with conditions like schizoaffective disorder work through their most severe symptoms. Then we help them develop the support system and skills they’ll need for long-term mental wellness. We treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. Family therapy is an important part of treatment at Lightfully. During these sessions, we help families learn about their loved one’s condition and develop skills they can use to support them on a daily basis.

Are you seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one who has schizoaffective disorder? We can help. Contact us today or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. Let’s talk about your treatment options and your next steps together.