Schizoaffective disorder
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder (/ˌskɪtsoʊ.əˈfɛktɪv/), is a chronic mental health condition characterized primarily by symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and symptoms of a mood disorder, such as mania and depression.
Etymology
The term "schizoaffective" was coined by the American psychiatrist Jacob Kasanin in 1933. The name is a blend of the words 'schizophrenia' and 'affective disorder', indicating the presence of symptoms from both these conditions.
Symptoms
People with schizoaffective disorder can have a wide variety of different symptoms, including:
- Hallucinations - Seeing or hearing things that aren't there.
- Delusions - Having false, fixed beliefs that are not shared by others.
- Manic symptoms - Such as elevated mood, increased activity, diminished need for sleep, grandiosity, racing thoughts, and rapid speech.
- Depressive symptoms - Such as feelings of sadness, emptiness, feelings of worthlessness or other symptoms of depression.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder involves ruling out other mental health disorders and concluding that symptoms are not due to substance use, medication, or a medical condition. Physicians will often use a combination of medical history, psychiatric evaluation, and mental status examination to diagnose this condition.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, life skills training, and hospitalization. Medications can include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Prognosis
With treatment, most people with schizoaffective disorder can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, they may need to continue treatment and support indefinitely.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Schizoaffective disorder
- Wikipedia's article - Schizoaffective disorder
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