What is Schizoaffective Disorder? Psychiatrist explains the causes, symptoms and ways to treat this mental illness

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder: People with this disorder can have spells where they hear or see things that others cannot, or are convinced of things that aren't real (Image: Pexels)

Mental health is as important as physical health, but many conditions remain misunderstood. Schizoaffective disorder is one of those conditions. It’s a grave illness that has both psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations or delusions, and mood symptoms, such as profound depths of sadness or abrupt high energy. Because these issues overlap so much, schizoaffective disorder can easily be misdiagnosed as either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It is, however, a distinct diagnosis.

People with this disorder, like singer Lola Young who has previously talked about this, can have spells where they hear or see things that others cannot, or are convinced of things that aren't real. In addition to this, people are likely to feel very down, low and hopeless or be too high up and restless. The highs and lows can interfere with work, school and relationships.

Dr Arjun Mehta, Senior Psychiatrist at Nano Care Hospital Udaipur, tells Moneycontrool that the game-changer for dealing with schizoaffective disorder is not just medical treatment; it is also lifestyle support and early intervention. “When patients and families are educated about the disease, they can identify warning signs more easily and intervene to prevent relapses,” he says.

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What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

It is a chronic mental illness in which symptoms of schizophrenia (such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking) occur with mood disorders (depression or mania).

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder

• Psychotic signs: Hearing voices, seeing things or having bizarre beliefs.
• Mood issues: In the depressive type, feeling extremely sad; in the bipolar type, feeling too happy or excited and talking very fast about a lot of different things or being more active than usual or sleeping less. Difficulty concentrating, taking care of oneself or keeping in touch with others.

The exact cause is unknown. The expert says it is likely a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, stressful life events and at times drug or other substance use. A family history of mental illness can also increase the risk.

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How to treat Schizoaffective Disorder

• Types of medication: Antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, and antidepressant.
• Therapy: Counseling and family therapy, to learn coping skills.
• Social support: community support, daily ins and out, stable lifestyle.

FAQs on What is Schizoaffective disorder?

1. What is Schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental illness that combines symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations or delusions, with mood disorders such as depression or mania.

2. What are the symptoms of Schizoaffective disorder?

Symptoms include hearing voices, seeing things that aren't there, feeling profoundly sad, or experiencing extreme excitement and high energy. These can disrupt daily life, work, and relationships.

3. What causes Schizoaffective disorder?

The exact cause is unknown but likely involves genetics, brain chemistry, stressful life events, and substance use. A family history of mental illness also increases the risk.

4. How is Schizoaffective disorder treated?

Treatment includes antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, and antidepressant medications, along with counseling, family therapy, and community support to manage daily life and prevent relapses.

5. Can people with Schizoaffective disorder lead a normal life?

With proper treatment, education, and support, individuals can manage symptoms effectively and improve their quality of life, although it remains a lifelong condition.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.