Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > S > Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment

Treatment

The treatment of people with schizoaffective disorder varies, but generally involves agents to stabilize mood and to treat psychosis. Neuroleptic medications (antipsychotics) are used to treat psychotic symptoms.

These medications may take up to three weeks to relieve symptoms. Lithium may be used to manage mania and to stabilize mood. Anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid and carbamazepine are effective mood stabilizers. 

Usually the combination of antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medication controls both depressive and manic symptoms, but antidepressants may need to be used in some cases.

Prognosis

People with schizoaffective disorder may have a fairly favorable prognosis, with more likelihood of returning to a previous level of functioning than schizophrenics. However, this severe and persistent disorder requires long-term treatment and may have variable outcomes.

Complications

Complications are similar to those for schizophrenia and major affective disorders. These include:

  • problems complying with therapeutic regimens
  • risk of developing substance use problems in an attempt to self-medicate symptoms 
  • problems resulting from manic behavior (for example, spending sprees, sexual indiscretions)
  • risk of suicidal behavior due to depressive and/or psychotic symptoms

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health-care provider or mental health professional if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following:

  • strange or unusual thoughts or perceptions
  • inability to care for basic personal needs
  • bouts of depression; feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness
  • increase in energy and involvement in risky behavior that is sudden in onset and out of character. This often includes going days without sleeping and feeling no need for sleep.
  • symptoms worsening or not improving with treatment
  • feelings and thoughts of suicide

Ency. home > Disease > S > Schizoaffective disorder

[an error occurred while processing this directive]