Schizoaffective disorder is a disorder which is a combination of schizophrenia and mood disorders (Services, 2020). The most common mood disorders that make up schizoaffective disorder is bipolar disorder (Services, 2020).
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a condition that is characterised by significant mood swings including extreme highs and lows (Mayo Clinic, 2022). There are two types of bipolar disorders, Bipolar I and Bipolar II.
Bipolar I is characterised as an individual having extreme extended periods of depressive episodes and mania (Health Direct, 2018). Bipolar II includes episodes of depression or mania that are less severe and typically last for less hours or days (Health Direct, 2018). Some common symptoms of bipolar disorder during a manic episode include feeling very happy, high self-esteem, increased energy levels, impulsive behaviour, delusions and talking over people (Health Direct, 2018).
On the other hand, some common symptoms of a depressive episode can include a low mood, withdrawal from social connection, feeling worthless, low motivation or suicidal thoughts (Health Direct, 2018).
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness that impacts how a person feels and acts (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia often seem as though they have a distorted sense of reality which can have significant impacts on their personal relationships (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Individuals with schizophrenia can have varying symptoms from person to person. Individuals are commonly diagnosed between ages of 16 and 30 (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
Symptoms of Schizophrenia:
Typically there are three main categories of symptoms, being psychotic, negative, and cognitive. Psychotic symptoms relate to the way individuals act and experience the world around them (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). The psychotic symptoms also include distorted thoughts and understanding which can lead to a difficulty in accurate perceptions of the world around them (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). In addition, hallucinations and delusions are also common psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Hallucinations relate to an individual seeing or hearing things that are not there (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Whereas, delusions are when an individual has beliefs that can be seen as unreasonable (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
Negative symptoms consist of a loss of incentive and motivation in completing daily activities that bring them joy (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). These can commonly include avoiding social connection, difficulty organising activities or having extremely low energy (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). On the other hand, cognitive symptoms relate to an individual’s memory or ability to concentrate (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Common cognitive symptoms include difficulty processing information or being aware of things (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).
Schizoaffective Disorder:
Schizoaffective disorder is commonly incorrectly diagnosed as depression or bipolar disorder (WebMD, 2003). Schizoaffective disorder is
There are two types of schizoaffective disorder types, being bipolar type and depressive type (WebMD, 2003). Schizoaffective disorder bipolar type is characterised by episodes of mania and depression whereas schizoaffective disorder depressive type is characterised as only major depressive episodes (WebMD, 2003).
Symptoms:
Schizoaffective disorder is made up of symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar. The symptoms can be very different for each person and can be mild or severe (WebMD, 2003). Some common symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include delusions, hallucinations, mania, depression or problems communicating (WebMD, 2003).
Causes and Treatment:
Schizoaffective Disorder is a very uncommon mental illness affecting a very small amount of the population. Genetics can play a role in the potential development of schizoaffective disorder (WebMD, 2003). In addition, drug use can potentially lead to the development of the disorder (WebMD, 2003). Common treatment options for Schizoaffective disorder include antidepressant or antipsychotic drugs in conjunction with psychotherapy (WebMD, 2003).
References
Health Direct. (2018). Bipolar disorder. Healthdirect.gov.au; Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bipolar-disorder
Mayo Clinic. (2022, December 13). Bipolar Disorder. Mayo Clinic; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, May). Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia#:~:text=What%20is%20schizophrenia%3F
Services, D. of H. & H. (2020, May 23). Schizoaffective disorder. Www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/schizoaffective-disorder
WebMD. (2003, February 10). Schizoaffective Disorder. WebMD; WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/mental-health-schizoaffective-disorder
