{"id":12879,"date":"2015-08-25T11:00:13","date_gmt":"2015-08-25T10:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/?p=12879"},"modified":"2022-09-11T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-09-11T11:00:00","slug":"what-is-schizoaffective-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/what-is-schizoaffective-disorder.htm","title":{"rendered":"What is Schizoaffective Disorder?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"what<\/a>

By: aka Tman<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Schizoaffective disorder is a condition that is best described as a mixture of<\/strong> schizophrenic symptoms<\/span>, <\/span>like hallucinations, <\/span> and a mood disorder like mania, where your behaviour is overactive and excited<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because this condition includes s<\/span>imilar symptoms<\/span> to<\/span><\/strong> other disorders,<\/strong> namely schizophrenia<\/a><\/span> and bipolar disorder,<\/a> it is far less understood and less <\/span>clearly <\/span>defined.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Common is Schizoaffective Disorder?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is little concrete data around how prevalent schizoaffective disorder is in the general population. And it’s hard to be certain given that it’s a condition that is difficult to diagnose because it has hallmark symptoms that match those of other conditions. <\/span><\/p>\n

D<\/span>espite these difficulties, the Royal College of Psychiatrists estimates the rate of incidence at less than one in 100 people.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, there are three distinct types of schizoaffective disorder<\/a>. <\/span>They all involve having psychotic symptoms, where you lose touch with what is accepted as reality. Manic type<\/em> then involves manic symptoms as well, and depressive type<\/em> involves depressive symptoms<\/a><\/span>. Mixed type<\/em> presents with both manic and depressive symptoms, much like bipolar disorder. This creates an emotional roller coaster. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"symptoms<\/a>

By: thierry ehrmann<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Psychotic symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n

These most commonly include<\/strong> delusions and hallucinations. Delusions are beliefs that you hold to be absolutely true and correct, but which no one else seems to accept. <\/span>An example would be <\/span>believing that you can control the mind and actions of the Prime Minister. <\/span>And h<\/span>aving hallucinations means that you experience stimuli that others do not. For example, you might hear voices or see things that others cannot see.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mood-based symptoms<\/h3>\n

Mood-based symptoms related to schizoaffective disorder most commonly include mania and depression<\/a><\/span>. Manic symptoms involve a\u00a0lack of sleep<\/a><\/span>, extreme enthusiasm, hyper talkativeness, and high levels of energy. <\/span><\/p>\n

During a manic phase, your judgment and ability to make sound decisions becomes impaired.<\/strong> As a result, many people engage in risky behaviours when they are manic, like spending exorbitant amounts of money<\/a><\/span> or having multiple sexual encounters<\/a><\/span>, often with strangers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Depressive symptoms<\/h3>\n

Depressive symptoms for schizoaffective disorder are what one might expect. There are<\/strong> periods of sadness and fatigue<\/a><\/span>. You may feel extremely lonely<\/a><\/span> and sleep most of the day. Depressive symptoms<\/a> can become so pronounced that you withdraw from your life, including from family and friends, and reach such high levels of despair that you contemplate suicide<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of Schizoaffective Disorder<\/span><\/h2>\n

It is not entirely understood what causes schizoaffective disorder, <\/span><\/strong>but it is thought to be a combination of <\/span> genetic factors, environmental influences, and chemical imbalances.<\/span><\/p>\n

Genetic factors<\/h3>\n
\"schizoaffective<\/a>

By: Jake Stimpson<\/p><\/div>\n

Studies show that <\/strong>schizoaffective disorder sometimes runs in families. <\/span>I<\/span>f one family member, such as a mother or father, has the disorder, their children are more likely to develop the disorder as well. <\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, if bipolar disorder or schizophrenia occur<\/strong> in families, the development of schizoaffective disorder is more likely. <\/span>But <\/span>this is not always the case. <\/span>M<\/span>any people that have schizoaffective disorder do not have a family history of mental illness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chemical imbalances<\/h3>\n

Research also indicates that chemical imbalances of <\/span><\/strong>neurotransmitters in the brain cause this condition. <\/span>T<\/span>his is most likely the primary cause of the disorder. These chemical imbalances can be corrected via medication, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilisers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Environmental influences<\/h3>\n

The environmental link to this disorder is somewhat weaker. It is known that childhood abuse is associated with<\/strong> the development of psychosis later in life. <\/span>And<\/span> life circumstances, such as stress<\/a><\/span>, can lead to mood-based disorders like mania and depression. However it seems unclear how, or if, these factors are responsible for the development of <\/span>the <\/span>psychotic and mood-based symptoms associated with schizoaffective disorder. <\/span><\/p>\n

How is it Diagnosed?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder relies on the observations and assessments of trained clinical staff<\/strong>. <\/span>B<\/span>ecause this disorder presents a lot like other, more common disorders, diagnosis can be difficult. <\/span><\/p>\n

As a result, practitioners must first rule out other conditions, namely<\/strong> schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. <\/span>P<\/span>hysical ailments, such as hypo and hyperthyroidism can cause similar symptoms as well, and should <\/span>also <\/span>be ruled out prior to a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) provides guidelines for determining the presence of this disorder.<\/strong> These include:<\/span><\/p>\n