Schizoaffective disorder falls under the category of psychotic disorders, a chronic mental health condition that involves symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder like major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. The prefix “Schizo” refers to the psychotic symptoms of the disorder, whereas “affective” refers to mood element of the disorder. In fact, many people with schizophrenia are incorrectly diagnosed at first with depression or bipolar disorder.
Scientists don’t know for sure if schizoaffective disorder is related mainly to schizophrenia or a mood disorder. But it’s usually viewed and treated as a combination of both conditions.
Statistics
- Around 1 in 200 people are affected with symptoms of schizoaffective disorder in their life.
- Individuals are often incorrectly diagnosed with either Bipolar or depression as the condition can express similar symptoms to both.
- More women than men are affected by schizoaffective disorder. It tends to develop at a later age in women than men and is more likely to the depressive type.
- The depressive type is also more common in older people, while the bipolar type is more common in younger people.
Symptoms
There are two types of schizoaffective disorder, each has some schizophrenia symptoms:
Bipolar type:
Episodes of mania and sometimes major depression.
Depressive type: Only major depressive episodes.
For further information please click: Schizoaffective disorder | Royal College of Psychiatrists (rcpsych.ac.uk)
Treatment
The long-term treatment of schizoaffective disorder involves the use of antipsychotics with psychological (talking) treatments. For the manic type, often a combination of a mood stabiliser and an antipsychotic are prescribed. For the depressive type, a mood stabiliser and an antidepressant is preferred. For a comprehensive list of treatments please click the following link – Schizoaffective disorder | Royal College of Psychiatrists (rcpsych.ac.uk).
Organisations and resources
Living With Schizophrenia | Information & Support (livingwithschizophreniauk.org)
Hearing Voices Network: Welcome (hearing-voices.org)
How can I help someone who has schizoaffective disorder? – Mind
Schizoaffective disorder | Royal College of Psychiatrists (rcpsych.ac.uk)