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Mental Health Treatment California

Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a combination disorder that includes schizophrenia and mood disorders, and for this reason, it is difficult to diagnose patients that fall into the spectrum.

While occurrences of schizoaffective disorder are rare, having this condition may increase the risk of substance-abuse, addiction, and related disorders. Self-medication is a common practice which tends to overuse and dependence on substances.

Clinically Reviewed by: Charee Marquez, LMFT

Signs and Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder

  • Visual and auditory hallucinations
  • Delusions, false sense of perceptions
  • Depression, depressive moods
  • Hyperactivity, manic states
  • Difficulties in communicating
  • Unusual, impulsive behaviors

Types of Schizoaffective Disorders

Bipolar Type

The bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder includes symptoms such as depression, manic episodes, extreme mood swings, delusions and paranoia.

Depressive Type

The depressive type of schizoaffective disorder includes symptoms such as deep sadness, low energy levels, and negative moods.

Risk Factors for Schizoaffective Disorder

  • Family history
  • Childhood development issues or delays
  • Past trauma, exposure to violence or violent events
  • Chronic stress, chronic depression
  • Substance abuse

Causes of Schizoaffective Disorder

Only 0.3% of the population are diagnosed as having schizoaffective disorder, and there is not enough research to determine the causes of this disorder.

Some possible causes include:

Genetics

Schizoaffective disorder tends to run in families, and genes are thought to be responsible for this condition. Individuals who are already affected by schizoaffective disorder also tend to be at risk for other mental illnesses.

Brain Chemistry

Neuroimages of brains show that malformations or abnormal occurrences in the brain such as small brain volume may cause mental health issues such as schizoaffective disorder.

Prenatal and Birth Issues

Babies in the womb who have been exposed to addictive substances such as nicotine, alcohol and other drugs have been shown to develop mental health challenges later in life. Babies with issues during delivery, such as restricted oxygen supply to the brain, may also be at risk.

Psychedelics

Certain mind-altering drugs such as LSD, PCP and magic mushrooms have powerful effects that may temporarily cause psychotic and other disorders. Long-term use or abuse create long-lasting effects, sometimes lasting for several years.

Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder

Diagnosis can be challenging because of the presence of a combination of symptoms. Dual diagnosis and treatment provide comprehensive treatment plans that include medical treatments, addiction treatments, evidence-based therapies and mindfulness based practices. Antipsychotics and antidepressants are commonly prescribed for schizoaffective disorder symptoms, and behavioral therapies such as CBT, DBT and EMDR are effective in helping to change negative patterns of thinking and behaviors.

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