Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health concern that can cause considerable distress in a person’s life. Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are similar to those of schizophrenia, with the addition of persistent manic episodes or major depressive episodes.
People who develop this disorder typically first experience symptoms during early adulthood. Schizoaffective disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but, as noted on the Mayo Clinic website, it is a treatable condition.
Adults and adolescents of all genders can receive comprehensive, personalized treatment for schizoaffective disorder at Tower Behavioral Health. Our schizoaffective disorder treatment center is a safe and supportive place where adults can take essential steps toward improved mental health.
Signs & Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
The signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can vary considerably from one person to another depending on a variety of factors, including which type of mood episode a person is experiencing.
Signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include:
- Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there)
- Delusions (believing things that clearly have no basis in reality)
- Lack of attention to personal grooming, hygiene, or appearance
- Inability to organize or express thoughts
- Catatonic behavior (can include a failure to speak, respond to others, or move)
- Lack of facial expressiveness
- Memory problems
- Elevated or diminished energy levels
- Significant changes in appetite and, as a result, weight gain or loss
- Disrupted sleep patterns (can include either sleeping too much or having no apparent need for sleep)
- Pervasive sense of sadness, despair, and hopelessness
- Heightened self-confidence
- Impaired memory, focus, and judgment
- Engaging in risky, reckless, or otherwise dangerous behaviors
- Loss of interest in hobbies, personal projects, or other significant topics
- Taking on multiple projects at once
- Withdrawing from family members and friends
Anyone who displays signs of schizoaffective disorder or experiences symptoms of schizoaffective disorder should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare provider. Completing a thorough assessment and receiving an accurate diagnosis are important steps toward getting appropriate treatment for schizoaffective disorder.
Schizoaffective Disorder Causes & Risk Factors
Research has not revealed a sole, definitive cause of schizoaffective disorder. Studies suggest that several schizoaffective disorder risk factors can increase a person’s likelihood for developing this disorder.
Possible schizoaffective disorder causes and risk factors include:
- Having a biological sibling or parent who has schizoaffective disorder
- Having a biological sibling or parent who has certain other mental health concerns
- The presence of certain genetic variations in the brain
Schizoaffective Disorder Statistics
The following schizoaffective disorder statistics are from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the journal BMC Psychiatry, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- Experts estimate that schizoaffective disorder affects about .03% of the population. (Source: NAMI)
- The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder is generally the same among men and women. (Source: NAMI)
- The rate of schizoaffective disorder may be more than 100 times higher among people who are homeless than among the general population. (Source: BMC Psychiatry)
- About 5% of people who have schizoaffective disorder die by suicide. (Source: DSM-5)
Potential Effects of Schizoaffective Disorder
The negative effects of schizoaffective disorder can include difficulties in all areas of a person’s life. The effects of schizoaffective disorder can undermine a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, making it virtually impossible for them to enjoy a productive and satisfying life.
Potential effects of schizoaffective disorder include:
- Inability to form and maintain healthy friendships
- Discord within the family
- Loss of interpersonal support
- Setbacks in school and at work
- Academic failure
- Inability to find and keep a job
- Financial distress
- Medical concerns related to reckless behaviors and poor self-care
- Onset or worsening of additional mental health concerns
- Legal problems, including being arrested, fined, and jailed
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Loss of hope for the future
- Homelessness
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
The effects of schizoaffective disorder can be profound, and they may lead to death. However, when a person receives appropriate schizoaffective disorder treatment, they can reduce their risk for continued harm. With the right schizoaffective disorder treatment, a person can achieve improved quality of life.
Therapies Used in Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
At our schizoaffective disorder treatment center in Reading, Pennsylvania, each person’s care is guided by an individualized plan.
The professionals who provide schizoaffective disorder treatment services at Tower Behavioral Health work closely with each person to identify their needs and goals. The information gathered during this initial assessment period informs the development of their personalized schizoaffective disorder treatment plan.
Personalized treatment for schizoaffective disorder at our center may include:
- Medication management services
- Psychotherapy and psychoeducation
- Individual, group, and family sessions
- Art, dance/movement, and music therapies
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
Before a person transitions out of our inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment program, they will receive a detailed discharge plan. This plan may include information about the professional schizoaffective disorder treatment services and community-based resources that can help them make continued progress toward improved mental health.
Reasons to Choose Our Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment Center
When you’re evaluating schizoaffective disorder treatment centers, it’s important to find the one that offers the type and level of care you’ve been looking for in a supportive and respectful atmosphere.
Here are a few reasons why our schizoaffective disorder treatment center in Reading, Pennsylvania, may be the ideal choice for you:
- Tower Behavioral Health maintains a safe and welcoming environment for each person who receives inpatient treatment for schizoaffective disorder.
- We offer thorough assessments to ensure that we’ve identified and are prepared to address the full scope of each person’s needs in our inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment program.
- All services within our inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment program are provided by a multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals.
- We are committed to providing comprehensive, personalized schizoaffective disorder treatment.
- Our detailed discharge plans promote sustained progress following each person’s time in our inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment program.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Tower Behavioral Health.
