Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health disorder where an individual experiences a mixture of schizophrenia symptoms (hallucinations, paranoia or delusions) and of mood disorder symptoms (mania or depression).
In many cases, the psychotic features and mood disturbances may appear in the same setting or may cycle on regular intervals. The major problem with schizoaffective individuals is that they rarely seek treatment on their own; most are brought to medical attention by concerned family members or law enforcement.
The cause of schizoaffective disorder is not known but believed to be due to an imbalance of certain brain neurotransmitters. Some experts speculate that exposure to chemicals during pregnancy or a viral illness may be responsible for the illness.
Like most psychiatric disorders, diagnosis is based on clinical features. Most physicians will also perform laboratory tests to ensure that the effects are not due to illicit drugs or any other medical disorder like HIV, temporal lobe epilepsy, hypothyroidism or prolonged steroid usage.
Individuals with schizoaffective disorder usually require both medications and psychotherapy. Both anti psychotics and mood stabilizing drugs are used to treat these individuals. Psychotherapy can help diminish distorted or negative thoughts, improve social skills and boost self-confidence.
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The Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder may vary from person to person. Some of the signs and symptoms of this illness are:
March 20, 2011 - 11:31pmHallucinations, Delusions Paranoid and unusual thoughts and ideas, Irrelevant or incoherent speech, Bouts of depression, Disorganized thinking, Poor temper control, Irritability, Suicidal and homicidal thougts, Deteriorating concern with respect to hygiene and grooming, Grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior: lack of response, responding at times in an extremely agitated manner without any cause, Deficits in attention and memory, Changes in energy and appetite patterns, sleep disorder.
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