In addition to relatively well-known serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder is another life-altering condition that’s unknown to many. But those who live with schizoaffective disorder are well-acquainted with the challenges it brings.
Schizoaffective disorder is relatively rare, impacting three people in every thousand. Since it’s less common than many other serious mental health challenges, there are many things we still don’t know about it—for example, its causes have yet to be determined. But there’s much we do know, and understanding the basics of this illness can help you come alongside those who are struggling.
It involves symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders.
Schizoaffective disorder is unique in that it causes symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations (seeing, hearing or otherwise physically sensing things that aren’t there) and delusions (holding fixed beliefs that aren’t true in spite of contradictory evidence), as well as mood disorder symptoms such as depression and mania. It can also cause disorganized thoughts and speech.
Together, these symptoms can severely interfere with an individual’s ability to function, affecting relationships and livelihoods. Some living with schizoaffective disorder experience periods when symptoms are especially severe, followed by periods of improvement.
There are two types.
Those living with schizoaffective disorder experience it in one of two forms. Some deal with the bipolar type and experience manic episodes, while others live with the depressive type, which involves depressive episodes.
However, both types share several symptoms in common:
- Periods of uninterrupted mental illness, such as having symptoms of depression or another mood disorder for a long time
- An episode of mania, major depression, or both while also having symptoms of schizophrenia
- At least two weeks of psychotic symptoms (such as delusions or hallucinations) without mood symptoms
It can be hard to diagnose.
Because it causes symptoms common with two types of mental illnesses, schizoaffective disorder can be especially difficult to identify, and those living with it are frequently first diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. In addition, when diagnosing someone with schizoaffective disorder, doctors must ensure that a person’s symptoms aren’t being caused by medications or substance use disorder.
Getting an accurate diagnosis can also be difficult due to the fact that there are currently no known biomarkers that confirm that someone is dealing with this condition. So mental health professionals must assess symptoms alone without the help of blood tests or other definitive data.
It doesn’t discriminate.
Like other serious mental illnesses, schizoaffective disorder can impact people of all walks of life, regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic status. This includes individuals such as Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and actress Lark Voorhies, and it’s not an indicator of intelligence or a sign of weakness or personal failure.
It can be treated.
Although there’s no cure for schizoaffective disorder, treatment can help significantly in managing symptoms. Since the two conditions whose symptoms it combines have been studied more extensively, many of the interventions used to treat schizoaffective disorder were first developed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder but have been found to help those living with schizoaffective disorder as well.
In addition to medication, many living with schizoaffective disorder benefit from therapy. And, since it’s common for them to also experience substance use disorders, a treatment plan may also address these dual diagnoses.
Having a network of support can also play a huge role in helping individuals living with schizoaffective disorder pursue mental health stability. That’s why the community offered at the Well is so vital. At the Well Community, members living with serious mental illnesses, including schizoaffective disorder, find resources, friendship and a place where they belong, without judgement or stigma. Your gift will help us continue to offer this essential support and caring connection with others.