Schizoaffective disorder is a challenging mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions, with symptoms of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. When someone has schizoaffective disorder, they may experience significant mood fluctuations, distorted perceptions of reality, and disrupted thought processes that can deeply affect their daily functioning and relationships.
At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, an affiliate of Fairview Health Services, in St. Paul, Minnesota, we understand the complexities of schizoaffective disorder. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate treatment for adults age 18 and older who have this condition.
Signs & Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder is crucial so that you can seek appropriate treatment. This condition affects each person differently, and symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR) classifies schizoaffective disorder into two primary types based on the mood symptoms present: the bipolar type and the depressive type.
Bipolar Type
People who have the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder experience episodes of mania and may also have depressive episodes. During manic episodes, symptoms may include:
- Feeling exceptionally confident
- Requiring very little sleep without feeling tired
- Speaking rapidly
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty focusing
- Becoming restless or agitated
- Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors
Depressive Type
People who have the depressive type of schizoaffective disorder primarily experience major depressive episodes alongside psychotic symptoms. Depressive symptoms may include:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Significant changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Psychotic Symptoms
Both types of schizoaffective disorder involve psychotic symptoms, which may include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions, or firmly held false beliefs
- Disorganized thinking, which makes it difficult to communicate clearly
- Unusual or unpredictable behavior
- Reduced emotional expression
If you or someone you know has schizoaffective disorder, it’s important to seek professional treatment. At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, our team can provide personalized treatment for people throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding communities who have schizoaffective disorder.
Causes of & Risk Factors for Schizoaffective Disorder
The precise causes of schizoaffective disorder remain unclear, but research indicates that multiple factors may contribute to its development.
Genetic Factors
Family history can play a significant role in schizoaffective disorder risk. If you have relatives who have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, you may be at higher risk for developing the condition. However, having a family history doesn’t guarantee that you will develop schizoaffective disorder.
Brain Chemistry & Structure
Changes in brain chemistry, particularly those involving neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, may contribute to schizoaffective disorder symptoms.
Environmental Factors
Stressful life events, trauma, or significant changes may trigger symptoms if you are already predisposed to schizoaffective disorder. Substance use may also increase risk or worsen existing symptoms.
Effects of Untreated Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder can have extensive consequences on multiple areas of your life. These potential effects highlight the importance of seeking professional treatment.
Personal & Social Impact
When a person does not receive schizoaffective disorder treatment, they may have strained relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues. The unpredictable nature of mood episodes combined with psychotic symptoms may make it difficult to maintain consistent social connections. Many people who have schizoaffective disorder report feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Academic & Occupational Challenges
Concentration difficulties, mood instability, and psychotic symptoms can make school or work more challenging. Many people struggle to maintain employment or achieve their educational goals without schizoaffective disorder treatment.
Physical Health Consequences
Having schizoaffective disorder may cause you to neglect your physical health, leading to poor nutrition, lack of exercise, or failure to seek medical treatment for other health conditions.
Increased Risk for Substance Use
Some people may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the distressing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, which can create additional health and safety concerns.
Crisis Situations
When a person does not receive proper schizoaffective disorder treatment, symptoms may worsen over time and potentially lead to crisis situations that require emergency intervention. At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, we provide inpatient treatment for adults age 18 and older and senior adults who need immediate stabilization and intensive support.
Schizoaffective Disorder Statistics
Understanding the prevalence and impact of schizoaffective disorder can help reduce stigma and highlight the importance of accessible mental healthcare.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, schizoaffective disorder affects approximately 0.3% of the population, making it less common than schizophrenia or mood disorders alone. The condition typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, though symptoms can appear at any age.
The condition often requires long-term symptom management, but with treatment, many people who have schizoaffective disorder can achieve significant improvement in their quality of life.
How To Help a Loved One Who Has Schizoaffective Disorder
Supporting someone who has schizoaffective disorder can be challenging, but your involvement can make a significant difference in their healing process. Here are ways you can provide meaningful support while also taking care of yourself.
Encourage Professional Treatment
Helping your loved one connect with qualified mental health professionals is the most crucial step. At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital in St. Paul, we offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for people who have schizoaffective disorder.
Learn About the Condition
Educating yourself about schizoaffective disorder can help you better understand what your loved one is experiencing. This knowledge can reduce fear and stigma while helping you respond more effectively to challenging situations.
Provide Emotional Support
Listen without judgment and offer consistent emotional support. Avoid arguing about delusions or hallucinations, but don’t agree with them either. Instead, acknowledge your loved one’s feelings while gently maintaining your perspective on reality.
Help with Practical Matters
People who have schizoaffective disorder may struggle with daily tasks like taking medications, keeping appointments, or managing finances. Offering practical support in these areas can be extremely helpful.
Recognize Warning Signs
Learn to recognize early warning signs that symptoms may be worsening, such as:
- Increased isolation
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in behavior
Early intervention can often prevent more severe episodes.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone who has schizoaffective disorder can be emotionally demanding. Make sure to take care of your own physical and mental health, seek support when needed, and set appropriate boundaries.
Benefits of Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
Receiving professional schizoaffective disorder treatment can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life.
Symptom Stabilization
Effective schizoaffective disorder treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of both mood episodes and psychotic symptoms. Many people experience significant improvement in hallucinations, delusions, mood swings, and disorganized thinking.
Improved Daily Functioning
As symptoms stabilize, people often find it easier to manage daily activities, maintain relationships, and pursue personal goals. You may find that you can return to work or school, engage more in social activities, and take better care of your physical health.
Better Relationships
As symptoms improve, people often find that their relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues become stronger and more stable.
Increased Independence
With appropriate support and schizoaffective disorder treatment, many people can live independently and make decisions about their treatment. By receiving treatment, people can learn skills and develop confidence so that they can manage symptoms long-term.
Hope for the Future
Getting effective schizoaffective disorder treatment gives people hope. Many individuals who initially feel overwhelmed by their symptoms discover that, by receiving proper treatment, they can achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment in St. Paul, Minnesota
At Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, we provide comprehensive treatment for adults and seniors who have schizoaffective disorder. Our team includes psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, and other mental health professionals.
Inpatient Treatment
Our schizoaffective disorder inpatient treatment center provides 24-hour support for individuals who need stabilization services and comprehensive treatment. Before beginning treatment, patients receive a thorough evaluation so that our team can understand their needs. Patients are then given an individualized treatment plan that may include:
- Medication management services
- Group therapy
- Discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition out of inpatient treatment
Future Treatment Options
Partial hospitalization programming (PHP) and intensive outpatient programming (IOP) will be available soon at Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital.
Beginning Your Healing Journey at Our Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment Center in the Twin Cities
If you or a loved one has schizoaffective disorder, we encourage you to contact our team. Early intervention can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes and quality of life. Our admissions specialists are available to discuss your needs, review your insurance options, and help you determine if our schizoaffective disorder treatment center is right for you.
Remember that pursuing schizoaffective disorder treatment demonstrates strength and wisdom. It’s not a sign of weakness but rather a positive step toward improving your life and health.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Capitol Park Mental Health Hospital, an affiliate of Fairview Health Services.
