Schizoaffective disorder: what is it and what symptoms does it present?

Mental illnesses have become a very wide universe that every day the experts try to know in depth.

However, it is so complex and global that even detecting it can become quite a process. There are some disorders that are easy to identify because the symptoms they show are expressed in a high way and clear, discordant with the regular behavior of a person in daily life in situations of various gauges.

However, there are other mental conditions that become a challenge to detect, such as is the case of schizoaffective disorder. A disease that is in the midst of the emotional disturbances and symptoms of schizophrenia, but that does not finish tilting completely to one side, but remains static, causing discomfort in those who suffer from it and confusion for those who are close to them. around.

It is one of the least known mental illnesses of all and therefore in this article we will talk about everything related to schizoaffective disorder and how to recognize it.

What is schizoaffective disorder?

As we just mentioned, it is a little known disorder of mental illness because only a very low percent of the population possesses it, in addition that its symptoms are similar to those that occur in bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

This disorder manifests as a series of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations (visual and / or auditory), delusions and sudden mood swings (depression-mania). They can manifest and evolve at different levels according to each person.

There are two types of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type (which appears during a major depressive or manic episode) and depressive type (only appears during any depressive episode)

Why is it so difficult to diagnose?

The prevalence of this disorder is only 0.03% of the world population, according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders). But, in addition, it can be confused with a symptom of other disorders, due to its disparity when manifesting itself and the degree of affection in each person, for which a detailed observation of a specialist is necessary on the time, duration and manifestation of symptoms in the person.

Between Schizophrenia and Bipolarity

Schizoaffective disorder is classified within the DSM-5 psychotic disorders, sharing a place with delusional disorder and schizophrenia. Therefore, he shares some of their symptoms, such as delusional ideas or disorganized thinking for a time greater than a month.

But, in addition, another criterion is needed for its diagnosis, which it shares with bipolar disorder and is the appearance of a major depressive or manic episode. Although this has to be accompanied by the previous delusional symptoms.

That is, it is a combination of some symptoms of both disorders (bipolarity and schizophrenia). Manifested by a major depressive or manic state, where the person continuously manifests delusional and disorganized symptoms for more than a month.

Symptoms

It is precisely because of the disparity of symptoms that are combined at the same moment, that it is necessary to keep a careful eye on the symptoms that are manifested in it. It should be emphasized that these appear differently in each person and may be more inclined towards psychotic symptoms, like others towards manic or depressive symptoms.

1. Diagnostic criteria

Criterion A for schizophrenia: occurrence of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and language for one month, but less than six months.

For two weeks continuously, symptoms of disturbances in the emotional sphere, such as an episode of major depression or mania, must appear. Where delusional episodes continue to manifest in the same way.

2. Signs and symptoms

These will depend on the type of Schizoaffective Disorder that the person has, but in essence they have the following:

2.1. Delusional episodes

Beliefs out of alignment with reality, alterations in the perception of the environment, visual or auditory hallucinations, suicidal ideations, paranoid ideas, etc.

2.2. Depressive symptoms

Extreme sadness, feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness and worthlessness. Loss of social interest and affective relationships (corresponding to criterion A of major depressive disorder).

2.3. Manic symptoms

Sudden increase in mood, feelings of euphoria, high energy and motivation to perform risky behaviors that increase the feeling of adrenaline. In an unbalanced and dangerous way for integral health.

2.4. Disorganized thinking and language

Characterized by weak and unbalanced communication, he cannot express himself correctly or legibly to others, due to lack of fluency and coherence.

2.5. Conditions in the social sphere

People with this disorder have serious problems in the performance of their activities in the rest of the spheres of their life: work, personal, academic and social. Distorting, thus, their quality of life in general.

3. Differences with Schizophrenia

It differs most from Schizophrenia by:

3.1. The duration of symptoms

In schizoaffective disorder, symptoms appear for a period equal to or greater than one month, but less than 6 months. Whereas in schizophrenia it has to be a period of six full months.

3.2. Emotional symptoms

The appearance of emotional imbalances differentiates it from schizophrenia, since in this only psychotic symptoms prevail. Whereas in schizoaffective disorder, mood swings are essential.

3.3. No symptoms

In the case of Schizophrenia, both visual and auditory delusions usually appear, however, in schizoaffective disorder the latter does not occur. The same happens with disorganized thinking, which is not shown as seriously as in schizophrenia.

4. Affective symptoms

Sudden mood swings are essential in diagnosing schizoaffective disorder. Well, it is necessary for a minimum of two weeks to occur where the person, in addition to showing psychotic symptoms, also shows an alteration in the emotional sphere.

Symptoms of depression, specifically a major depressive episode (sadness, devaluation, loss of interest, etc.) or symptoms of hypomania (euphoria, overwhelmed positive mood and inclination towards risk).

5. Personal neglect

The disinterest shown during this disorder is not only social but also personal. So there is a notable neglect in the area of ​​comprehensive care (hygiene, clothing, health, physical appearance, etc.).

This is both a combination of depressive symptoms and delusional misconceptions.

Recommended treatment

It is important to take action when there are remarkably serious consequences in the areas of development of the life, performance and motivation, personal neglect and when delusions turn into compulsive suicidal ideations. Thus it is recommended to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist to carry out the appropriate treatment, but in addition to having other options.

1. Psychotherapy

The most recommended treatment to treat any type of mental disorder is psychotherapy since it is necessary that an expert in mental health perform the corresponding psychotechnical tests for its correct diagnosis and subsequent intervention more convenient.

Individual therapy can be used, generally focused on cognitive-behavioral treatment. Where people can understand their current state, the disparity of their symptoms, break their distorted belief system and have a proper perception of the world. In addition to offering tools for their social reassignment and self-confidence.

2. Pharmacotherapy

This is carried out in order to improve psychotic symptoms and depressive or manic episodes. So that the person can have more control over these. They must be prescribed by a psychiatrist to work in conjunction with the psychotherapist and under strict supervision.

Antidepressants (to control depressed mood), antipsychotics (to decrease symptoms of delusions and hallucinations) are usually prescribed and mood stabilizers (in order to maintain a balance between levels of euphoria and sadness, so as to avoid sudden changes in humor).

3. Social training

These types of training serve as support to re-enter in a functional and safe way to the social, work and personal activities that the person has left stagnant. It offers tools and strategies for coping, problem solving and interaction to renew one's self-esteem.

Among these are training in social skills, to adapt the person appropriately to their environment and vocational training, so that they regain their own motivation for their performance daily.

4. Support and coping

It is very important that family members and close friends of a person with schizoaffective disorder are also prepared to face and accept this problem. So that you can become a guide and support for them.

Therefore, it is necessary to inform and learn about everything related to the disorder, to detect the signs of a relapse, attend a support workshop with the person, or provide basic assistance if necessary.

5. Entertaining activities

In the same way, it is essential that the person maintain a healthy lifestyle, this will help him to regularize the changes of humor and maintain the health of your brain, in addition to always having healthy energy to have an excellent daily performance.

It is recommended to do physical activity, balanced diet, find a hobby or hobby where you develop new skills, find activities relaxing activities and activities to discharge energy in a socially acceptable and harmless way same.

This disorder can be controlled and its symptoms diminished to lead a full life, if it is treated in time, with awareness and if the person has an adequate support group.