Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health condition. It affects how a person thinks, feels and interacts with the world. It includes symptoms of schizophrenia, though it is not the same condition. Schizoaffective disorder also involves symptoms of other mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. Living with schizoaffective disorder can feel confusing and overwhelming at times. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your condition. Effective treatment options are available.

Medications often play an important role in treatment for schizoaffective disorder. They can help with mood, thought patterns and overall functioning. A licensed psychiatrist can work with you to find the right medication and dosage. Medication is not the only treatment option, though. In many cases, medication works best when paired with psychotherapy and other forms of mental health support. Getting a solid understanding of your options can be vital to finding the care you need.

3 types of medication that may be used to treat schizoaffective disorder

According to Mayo Clinic, paliperidone (Invega) is the only medicine that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved specifically to treat schizoaffective disorder. However, psychiatrists may prescribe other medications designed to treat specific symptoms.

Here are three types of medications used in schizoaffective disorder treatment:

• Antipsychotics — Antipsychotic medications are often one of the first treatments used for schizoaffective disorder. These medicines can help reduce hallucinations, confusing thoughts and false beliefs. False beliefs, also called delusions, tend to be a major symptom in people with schizoaffective disorder. Paliperidone is an antipsychotic. It works by balancing brain chemicals that affect how you think and feel. Paliperidone can help with both mood symptoms and psychotic symptoms. This makes it a strong option for people with schizoaffective disorder. Other antipsychotic medications may also be prescribed, depending on your symptoms and how your body reacts.
• Mood stabilizers — Mood stabilizers may be recommended if you experience bipolar-type symptoms. These medications help balance mood swings, preventing extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). Lithium is one well-known mood stabilizer that has been used for decades. Mood stabilizers work to regulate brain chemicals and electrical activity. This can help reduce mood instability. Mood stabilizers may help lower the risk of future manic or depressive episodes. They can also reduce suicidality in some individuals.
• Antidepressants — If depressive symptoms are more dominant, an antidepressant may be added to the treatment plan. These medicines can improve your mood, sleep, energy and appetite. One common antidepressant is sertraline. It works by raising the level of serotonin, a natural chemical in your brain that helps you feel good. Sertraline and other antidepressants may help reduce sadness and other depression symptoms connected to schizoaffective disorder.

All medications should be used with care and always under close supervision. This is especially important when taking more than one medication. Make sure to keep in touch with your psychiatrist. Mention any changes you notice, positive or negative. Continual communication plays a vital role in effective medication management.

Nonmedication treatment options

As mentioned above, a comprehensive treatment plan for schizoaffective disorder often includes nonmedication approaches. These can support emotional healing, self-awareness and personal growth. The right mental health treatments can help you manage daily challenges and make long-term progress.

Here are a few nonmedication treatments that may be helpful:

• Individual psychotherapy — In individual therapy, you meet one-on-one with a licensed therapist. This is a safe space where you can talk about your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Your therapist can help you understand what might be causing your symptoms and teach you ways to manage your symptoms and feel better. Over time, therapy can help you handle stress, manage strong emotions and feel more confident in tough situations.
• Group therapy — Group therapy is when a small group of people meet with a licensed therapist to talk and support each other. Everyone in the group may be going through something similar, so you can share your experiences and learn from others. It’s a safe place to practice social skills, ask questions and build confidence. Group therapy can help you feel more understood and less alone.
• Family therapy — Mental health challenges can affect your whole family. In family therapy, you and your loved ones meet with a therapist to talk about what’s going on. These sessions can help everyone communicate better, set healthy boundaries and learn how to support each other. When families work together, it can make a big difference in recovery. Understanding and support at home can help you feel stronger and more cared for.

Lightfully offers comprehensive support for clients with schizoaffective disorder

At Lightfully, we’re here to help you get the care you need. We use something called Precision Care Model, which means your treatment plan is made just for you. We combine the most helpful parts of proven therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy and somatic techniques, to help you work through what’s really causing your symptoms.

Your treatment may also include help with medication. In some of our levels of care, you’ll meet with a psychiatrist each week to find the right medicine and dosage for you. Our goal is to give you the tools you need to feel more in control, more connected and more hopeful about your future.

Change is possible. Contact us to explore your treatment options for schizoaffective disorder. When you’re ready to get started, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.