Schizoaffective Disorder: 5 Symptoms To Identify It
Do you know schizoaffective disorder? Discover what it is and the most effective treatments.
Surely we all know what schizophrenia is or have heard of it. However, there are other psychological disorders within the schizophrenia spectrum that are not as well known. One of them is schizoaffective disorder, which despite looking similar, is not exactly the same.
Currently, it is estimated that 0.3% of the population suffers from this disorder and that it is more common in women than in men. But… exactly what is it about and what consequences does it have? Enter to discover what differences there are between schizophrenia and this disorder, its consequences and treatments.
He schizoaffective disorder (also called affective schizophrenia ), as we have already mentioned, it is a disorder that is classified within the disorders related to schizophrenia and psychosis Therefore, people who have this disorder also have episodes of delusions and/or hallucinations. However, schizoaffective disorder is characterized by the presence of depressive or manic symptoms, thus classifying it into two different subtypes: depressive-type schizoaffective disorder and, on the other hand, bipolar type. In other words, schizoaffective disorder is a combination of symptoms of schizophrenia with symptoms of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or major depression.
One of the main difficulties that people with this disorder encounter is that, due to the large number of psychological disorders that can be associated with both mood and psychotic symptoms, in most cases, people with the disorder schizoaffective sufferers previously undergo different misdiagnoses.
What types are there and what are they characterized by?
Depressive schizoaffective disorder: The depressive type is characterized by the presence of symptoms of major depression for most of the day. Therefore, the person feels sad, irritable, loses interest or pleasure in activities, etc. most days except in this case, when a psychotic episode, that is, psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations. These occur for at least two weeks and when they appear, the depressive symptoms disappear.
Bipolar schizoaffective disorder: In this case, when the person does not present hallucinations or delusions, their state is characterized by the presence of manic symptoms. Manic episodes are specific periods in which the person has a high or irritable mood, has a lot of energy, feels that their thoughts are going at a high speed, does not have the need to sleep, feels superior, etc. In this case, not only are symptoms of mania present, but the person may also present symptoms of major depression.
Depending on the type of schizoaffective disorder that occurs, the symptoms may vary. However, in general terms, the most common symptoms that a person may present are the following:
Delusions: Delusions are false beliefs that the person defends even when there is clear evidence that shows the opposite. Unlike hallucinations, they are characterized by affecting how the person interprets external stimuli. There are different types of delusions, such as persecutory delusions. In the case of the persecution mania or delusion of persecution, people are convinced that someone is chasing or spying on them.
Hallucinations: Hallucinations are not a failure in interpretation but in perception. The person can smell, see, feel, hear, etc. through your senses stimuli that really do not exist on the outside. An example of hallucination would be if a person heard a voice that does not exist. Normally, the most frequent hallucinations are visual and auditory.
Disorganized speech and/or behavior: Disorganized speech is characterized, as the name itself says, in that a person’s speech is disorganized, that is, it is incomprehensible or jumps from one topic to another without any relationship. On the other hand, in the case of disorganized behavior, the person carries out behaviors that have no reason or logical sequence. For example, the person is walking down the street and suddenly, for no reason, starts cursing at someone.
Negative symptoms: Negative symptoms imply a decrease in the person’s normal functioning, including difficulties experiencing pleasure (anhedonia), emotional flattening, lack of interest or willpower (avolition), etc. Normally we tend to think that the symptoms that can have the most impact on a person are psychotic symptoms, however, negative symptoms are the ones that most affect the functioning of the person who suffers from them.
Mania and/or major depression: As we have already mentioned, schizoaffective disorder presents symptoms of major depression, mania, or both.
Main differences between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder:
Functioning: Schizophrenia has a significant impact on the level of functioning (work, social, personal care, etc.) and although schizoaffective disorder may imply deterioration, the reality is that in schizophrenia it is more significant and there is more variability among people with schizoaffective disorder. .
Negative symptoms: In relation to the above, the negative symptoms in the case of schizoaffective disorder are usually less severe and less lasting than in schizophrenia.
Disorder Awareness: Many people who have schizophrenia have difficulties in introspection, that is, the person may be aware of the symptoms but do not give them the importance they really have. Although it is also present in schizoaffective disorder, it is less common and less severe.
Starting age: Schizophrenia usually has its onset in the adolescent stage while schizoaffective disorder usually presents in adulthood.
Forecast: We may think that schizoaffective disorder has a worse prognosis than schizophrenia because symptoms occur both psychotic as depressives. However, schizoaffective disorder has a better prognosis than schizophrenia but worse than major depression and bipolar disorder.
Treatment: How is schizoaffective disorder cured?
The treatment of schizoaffective disorder usually combines pharmacological treatment with psychological treatment. Currently there is no treatment that represents a cure for schizoaffective disorder. However, treatment can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of the person who suffers from it.
Regarding psychological intervention, the therapies that have proven to be most effective are:
Family therapies: Sometimes, family dynamics as well as their communication negatively affect the environment of the person who has the disorder. Specifically, family therapies focus on reducing emotionality expressed familiar, that is, high levels of hostility, criticism, etc. that family members may present towards the affected person. Normally, what is usually worked on is communication, problem solving and knowledge about the disorder.
Social skills training: Social skills are an important factor in a person’s functioning. Schizoaffective disorder can lead to a deterioration in the social aspect and for this same reason, training in social skills is usually effective in enhancing coping resources and thus increasing the social support network.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic and depressive symptoms. In addition, people with this disorder often present suicidal ideas and/or behaviors, so this therapy can be effective in managing these symptoms.
Schizoaffective disorder, like schizophrenia, usually carries many stigmas that end up harming those people who have them. Psychological treatment, apart from being essential, can help improve self-concept as well as enhance those resources that can improve both social functioning and people’s quality of life.
