Schizoaffective disorder is a complex mental health condition that involves a combination of symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, and symptoms of mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder. When someone has schizoaffective disorder, they may struggle with significant mood changes, altered perceptions of reality, and disrupted thinking patterns that can profoundly impact their daily functioning and relationships.
At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, we understand the challenges schizoaffective disorder can present. Our team of mental health professionals is committed to providing compassionate care for adults and senior adults who are experiencing symptoms of this condition. We create a supportive environment where you can gain stability and improve your quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder so that you can seek appropriate care. This condition affects each person differently, and symptoms can vary in severity and duration. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR) categorizes schizoaffective disorder into two main types based on the mood symptoms present: the bipolar type and the depressive type.
Bipolar Type
People who have the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder have episodes of mania and may also experience depressive episodes. During manic episodes, symptoms may include:
- Feeling unusually confident
- Needing very little sleep without feeling tired
- Talking rapidly
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Becoming restless or agitated
- Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors
Depressive Type
People who have the depressive type of schizoaffective disorder primarily have major depressive episodes alongside psychotic symptoms. Depressive symptoms may include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
- Significant changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Psychotic Symptoms
Both types of schizoaffective disorder involve psychotic symptoms, which may include hallucinations, delusions or firmly held false beliefs, disorganized thinking that makes it challenging to communicate clearly, unusual or unpredictable behavior, and reduced emotional expression.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, our clinical team can provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized care for people throughout Greenville and surrounding communities who have schizoaffective disorder.
Causes of & Risk Factors for Schizoaffective Disorder
The exact causes of schizoaffective disorder remain unclear, but research suggests that multiple factors may contribute to its development.
Genetic Factors
Family history can play a significant role in schizoaffective disorder risk. If you have relatives who have suffered from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, you may be at higher risk for developing the condition. However, having a family history doesn’t guarantee that you will experience symptoms of schizoaffective disorder.
Brain Chemistry and Structure
Changes in brain chemistry, particularly those involving neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, may contribute to schizoaffective disorder symptoms.
Environmental Factors
Stressful life events, trauma, and significant changes may trigger symptoms if you are already predisposed to schizoaffective disorder. Substance use may also increase risk or worsen existing symptoms.
Effects of Untreated Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder symptoms can have far-reaching consequences in multiple areas of your life. These potential effects highlight how important it is to seek professional treatment.
Personal and Social Impact
When a person does not receive treatment for schizoaffective disorder, they may have strained relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues. The unpredictable nature of mood episodes combined with psychotic symptoms may make it difficult to maintain consistent social connections. Many people who are suffering from schizoaffective disorder report having feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Academic and Occupational Challenges
Concentration difficulties, mood instability, and psychotic symptoms can make school or work more challenging. Many people struggle to keep a job or reach their educational goals if they don’t receive appropriate schizoaffective disorder treatment.
Physical Health Consequences
Experiencing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder may cause you to neglect your physical health, leading to poor nutrition, lack of exercise, or failure to seek medical care for other health conditions.
Increased Risk for Substance Use
Some people may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the distressing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, which can create additional health and safety concerns.
Crisis Situations
When a person does not receive proper schizoaffective disorder treatment, symptoms may worsen over time and potentially lead to crisis situations that require emergency intervention. At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, we provide inpatient care for adults and senior adults who need immediate stabilization and intensive support.
Schizoaffective Disorder Statistics
Understanding the prevalence and impact of schizoaffective disorder can help reduce stigma and highlight the importance of accessible mental healthcare.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, schizoaffective disorder affects approximately 0.3% of the population, making it less common than schizophrenia or mood disorders alone. The condition typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, though symptoms can appear at any age.
The condition often requires long-term symptom management, but with appropriate treatment, many people who have schizoaffective disorder can achieve significant improvement in their quality of life.
At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital in North Carolina, we’re committed to providing care that gives people who have schizoaffective disorder the best possible chance of achieving stabilization and long-term wellness.
How To Help a Loved One Who Has Schizoaffective Disorder
Supporting someone who has schizoaffective disorder can be challenging, but your involvement can make a significant difference. Here are ways you can provide meaningful support while also taking care of yourself.
Encourage Professional Treatment
Helping your loved one connect with qualified mental health professionals is the most crucial step. At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital in Greenville, we offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for people who are experiencing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder.
Learn About the Condition
Educating yourself about schizoaffective disorder can help you better understand what your loved one is experiencing. This knowledge can reduce fear and stigma while helping you respond more effectively to challenging situations.
Provide Emotional Support
Listen without judgment and offer consistent emotional support. Avoid arguing about delusions or hallucinations, but don’t agree with them either. Instead, acknowledge your loved one’s feelings while gently maintaining your perspective on reality.
Help with Practical Matters
People who have schizoaffective disorder may struggle with daily tasks like taking medications, keeping appointments, and managing finances. Offering practical support in these areas can be extremely helpful.
Recognize Warning Signs
Learn to recognize early warning signs that symptoms may be worsening, such as increased isolation, sleep disturbances, or changes in behavior. Early intervention can often prevent more severe episodes.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone who has schizoaffective disorder can be emotionally demanding. Make sure to take care of your own physical and mental health, seek support when needed, and set appropriate boundaries.
Benefits of Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
Receiving professional treatment for schizoaffective disorder can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life. Understanding these potential benefits can encourage individuals and families to seek appropriate care.
Symptom Stabilization
Effective treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of both mood episodes and psychotic symptoms. Many people experience significant improvement in hallucinations, delusions, mood swings, and disorganized thinking with appropriate therapy.
Improved Daily Functioning
As symptoms stabilize, people often find it easier to manage daily activities, maintain relationships, and pursue personal goals. You may find that you can return to work or school, engage more in social activities, and take better care of your physical health.
Better Relationships
As symptoms improve, people often find that their relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues become stronger and more stable.
Increased Independence
With appropriate support and treatment, many people can live independently and make decisions about their care. By receiving schizoaffective disorder treatment, people can learn skills and develop confidence so that they can manage symptoms long-term.
Hope for the Future
Getting effective treatment gives people hope. Many individuals who initially feel overwhelmed by their symptoms discover that with proper care, they can achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment in Greenville, North Carolina
At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, we provide comprehensive care for adults and senior adults who are suffering from schizoaffective disorder. Our team includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, and other mental health professionals who work together to address this complex condition.
Inpatient Treatment
Our schizoaffective disorder inpatient treatment center provides 24-hour care for individuals who need stabilization services and comprehensive support. Patients receive a thorough evaluation before beginning treatment so that our team can gain an understanding of their needs. Patients are then given an individualized treatment plan that may include medication management services, individual therapy, and group therapy. Patients are also provided with a discharge plan to ensure a smooth transition out of inpatient treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Program
The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at our schizoaffective disorder treatment center offers structured, intensive care during the day and allows patients to return home in the evenings. This level of care is often helpful for people who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy provides but don’t require round-the-clock inpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides flexible scheduling for people who need ongoing support while managing their work, school, or family responsibilities.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
For individuals who have symptoms that haven’t improved with other treatments, we offer electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT can be particularly effective for severe mood symptoms associated with schizoaffective disorder.
Medication Management
Our team provides medication management services as part of comprehensive treatment for patients who have schizoaffective disorder.
Therapeutic Services
We offer therapeutic services, including group therapy, which is commonly used at inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment centers to support patients on their healing journey.
Our hospital campus provides a safe and supportive environment where patients can receive the comprehensive schizoaffective disorder treatment they need. We serve individuals throughout eastern North Carolina and work with families to ensure continuity of care.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes and quality of life.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital.