You may be familiar with the mental health disorder schizophrenia. It involves symptoms like thinking, feeling and acting in ways that don’t reflect reality. Schizoaffective disorder is a separately categorized mental health disorder. It involves many of the same symptoms as schizophrenia but includes components of a mood disorder. The mood disorder symptoms that usually show up in someone with a schizoaffective disorder include bipolar disorder and depressive disorders. Schizoaffective disorders affect around 0.3% of the population in the United States. It’s also more likely to develop at an early age in men. Find out more about the symptoms, causes and treatments below.

What are the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type?

The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type encompasses the same symptoms as schizophrenia, with additional bipolar disorder symptoms. Someone with schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type might experience the following symptoms:

• Disorganized speech or behavior
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Episodes of mania
• Episodes of depression

What are the causes of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type?

There are a variety of causes of schizoaffective disorder. Experts don’t yet know the exact cause of this mental health condition. Most believe that there are several factors that may contribute to the development of it. Here are some factors that experts believe can lead to schizoaffective disorder:

• Genetics — Genetics and family history of schizoaffective disorder are potential causes. Do you have a family member with this disorder? You may be at a higher risk of developing it yourself.
• Brain chemistry — Another potential factor that can cause schizoaffective disorder is brain chemistry. Some people’s brain pathways and neurotransmitters differ from others. This may increase their risk of developing certain mental health disorders.
• Substance use — Experts believe substance use is also linked to the development of schizoaffective disorder. Some substances, like LSD, may contribute to this condition. It’s best to stay away from substance use if you have a high risk of this disorder.
• Stressful life events — Experts also believe that stressful life events, such as family deaths, divorce and moving, can trigger schizoaffective disorder symptoms in a person.
• Traumatic childhood events — Traumatic events that occur in childhood, like abuse or neglect, are also believed to increase a person’s risk of developing this mental health disorder.

What treatments are available for people with schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type?

Are you someone who has schizoaffective disorder of the bipolar type? It’s important that you know your treatment options. Treatment can make your symptoms feel more manageable. It can also improve your quality of life.

• Talk therapy — An effective treatment for schizoaffective disorder is talk therapy. Talk therapy can help clients work through their mental health disorder symptoms. It involves the professional guidance of a licensed clinical therapist. At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we prefer the process-based therapy (PBT) approach. PBT emphasizes viewing clients as whole people rather than just their diagnosis.
• Medication — Another common treatment for schizoaffective disorder is medication. Medication can be helpful for some people. It’s most effective when paired with other forms of treatment, like talk therapy. The most common medications are antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers.

Lightfully can improve your schizoaffective disorder of the bipolar type with treatment

Our mission at Lightfully is to provide high-quality mental health care to clients. We use a focused approach to process-based therapy. The framework of our clinic consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. We have extensive experience working with clients who have schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, and we’re confident that we can help you improve the symptoms of your mental health disorder.

Lightfully offers various levels of care to both adults and teens: Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), also referred to as our Day Treatment Program. We also offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for adults. If you have been experiencing the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder and find them difficult to manage on your own, we’d like to help you. Don’t wait any longer to reach out. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.