For people who experience severe mental health symptoms, receiving the right diagnosis and effective treatment is critical for their quality of life and well-being. Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type features symptoms of both major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia.
There are a few other conditions that involve similar symptom presentations. A person might have MDD with psychotic features or co-occurring schizophrenia and MDD. There’s also a bipolar subtype. People with this presentation experience manic or hypomanic episodes.
Mood episodes and symptoms of schizophrenia may not be present at all times. The timing of the symptoms and the severity are considered when diagnosing and treating these conditions. Psychiatrists should work closely with clients and families. It may take some time to narrow down the diagnosis that best fits the person’s symptoms.
In this article, we’ll share six key facts about schizoaffective disorder, depressive type.
6 key facts to understand the depressive type of schizoaffective disorder
Symptoms of MDD and symptoms of schizophrenia are the two main components of schizoaffective disorder, depressive type. To receive this diagnosis, a person must have depression symptoms both during psychotic episodes and at other times. The onset of symptoms can also be an important clue. Most people start showing symptoms between 25 and 35 years of age.
Some of the first signs others may notice include social withdrawal, low energy, depressed mood, neglect of personal hygiene, or changes in sleeping or eating patterns. During a psychotic episode, a person may see, hear or feel things that aren’t there or believe things that aren’t true. People may also show unusual or inappropriate behavior, such as talking to oneself.
The only way to know for sure if a person has schizoaffective disorder, depressive type, is to talk with a licensed clinician. Here are six key facts to know that may help you through the process:
Depression symptoms
The depressive subtype involves mood episodes that meet the criteria for major depression. Some depression symptoms resemble features of schizophrenia. These include a lack of pleasure, social withdrawal, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of suicide. A person with this condition may also experience fatigue or low energy and feelings of sadness, hopelessness or guilt.
Schizophrenia symptoms
A few different types of schizophrenia symptoms are present in people who have schizoaffective disorder. These include psychosis, disorganized thoughts and behavior, and negative symptoms. Negative in this sense doesn’t mean “bad,” but rather absent or missing. They may have a lack of motivation and energy, emotional blunting or social isolation. Psychosis includes different types of hallucinations and delusions or false, strongly held beliefs.
Distinction from bipolar type
Criteria for the depressive type don’t include other types of mood symptoms, such as manic or hypomanic episodes. If a person has these episodes, they’re more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar type. Some people with bipolar type may experience depression as well.
Distinction from schizophrenia with depression or MDD with psychotic features
Depression and schizophrenia have a high rate of co-occurrence. Together, they may resemble schizoaffective disorder. The main difference is the timing and duration of symptoms. If a person has mood symptoms most of the time, they’re more likely to have schizoaffective disorder.
Some people who have MDD may also experience hallucinations or delusions. They may exhibit some disorganized thought patterns, though not typically meeting the full criteria for disorganized speech under schizophrenia.
Considerations for diagnosis
To receive this diagnosis, a person must show mood symptoms for the majority of the total duration of the illness. Delusions or hallucinations must occur for at least two weeks in the absence of a major mood episode.
The provider also needs to rule out other conditions like substance use disorders. An individual’s diagnosis may change as other symptoms develop. They may need to spend some time working with a provider so they can get a clear idea of their presentation.
Treatment approach
Most people who have schizoaffective disorder will need both psychotherapy and medication. Therapy helps people work through what they’re experiencing. They’ll learn coping skills to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It helps when loved ones get involved in the process and learn how to support the client in their day-to-day life. Medication helps to manage the neurotransmitters in the brain that lead to symptoms
Seek treatment for schizoaffective disorder at Lightfully
There is hope that people who have schizoaffective disorder, depressive type, can live full, rewarding lives. Receiving the right diagnosis is the first step toward finding effective treatment.
Family and friends often play important roles in supporting people throughout this process and helping them maintain long-term mental wellness. If you’re concerned about a loved one, try telling them about your concerns without using any judgmental language. Then ask if they’re open to talking about it and if you can help them explore treatment options.
At Lightfully, our licensed clinicians get to know our clients as people first. This way, we can provide personalized treatments that support the life they want to live. Each person begins with an in-depth mental health assessment.
Their clinicians then create a unique treatment plan. Each plan includes evidence-based therapies and medication as necessary. We also provide group and family therapy sessions to help each person build a support system.
Are you seeking treatment for someone who may have schizoaffective disorder, depressive type? Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today. Let’s talk about what you’re noticing and how we can help.
