Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health disorder that affects your thoughts and moods, having symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. The exact causes of schizoaffective disorder are unknown, but research points to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. This disease is frequently misdiagnosed, so the exact prevalence is unknown, but researchers predict it is rare, impacting less than one percent of the population.
Rose Hill Center provides residential treatment for various mental health disorders, including schizoaffective disorder. We are recognized as a leader in residential treatment and offer the most current, evidence-based, community-centered, holistic therapies available. To learn more about Holly, Michigan, schizoaffective disorder treatment, contact us at 866.367.0220.
5 Schizoaffective Disorder Signs
The DSM-5 is the accepted authority on mental health disorders by the American Psychological Association (APA) and other organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA). According to the DSM-5, five signs of schizoaffective disorder include:
- Meeting the criteria for schizophrenia – Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms (flat expression, loss of pleasure, lack of motivation, etc.)
- Hallucinations or delusions for two or more consecutive weeks without mood disorder symptoms
- Episodes of major depression, mania, or both while also having schizophrenic symptoms
- A major mood episode that lasts for an uninterrupted period of time
- No evidence of medications or a substance use disorder causing said symptoms
When an individual exhibits both psychotic and mood disorder symptoms, it is often initially challenging to determine the cause. For this reason, schizoaffective disorder is frequently misdiagnosed. In addition to the stigma of mental health disorders, misdiagnosis is a barrier to effective treatment because individuals become frustrated over not getting better and falsely believe they cannot be helped.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can range from mild to severe and vary between individuals. They can experience psychotic symptoms and signs of mania, depression, or both. Psychotic symptoms and mood symptoms can occur individually or simultaneously. Following is a look at each subset of possible symptoms:
- Psychotic symptoms – Delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, disorganized speech, unclear thinking, unusual behavior, lack of emotion, poor motivation, and slow movements or inability to move
- Manic symptoms – Agitation, rapid speech, distractibility, inflated sense of abilities, little need for sleep, racing thoughts, increased levels of activity, over-extending oneself, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviors
- Depressive symptoms – Changes in appetite and sleep habits, loss of interest in activities, excessive guilt, perpetual hopelessness or worthlessness, consistent sadness, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, lack of energy, and persistent thoughts or talk of death and suicide
If you or someone you love shows signs of schizoaffective disorder, seeking help as soon as possible is crucial. Individuals with this disease are at high risk for co-occurring disorders, including anxiety and substance use disorders. They are also more likely to engage in self-harm and attempt suicide.
Schizoaffective disorder is a life-long condition. However, those affected can significantly benefit from treatment to learn how to recognize triggers and develop the coping and life skills needed to manage daily life so they can have a higher quality of life than they would without treatment.
Discover Effective Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment at Rose Hill Center
At Rose Hill Center, we know that everyone is different, even when they share a common diagnosis. We take time to get to know each of our residents to create a treatment plan best suited to their unique needs.
Schizoaffective disorder is a complex mental health condition often compounded by co-occurring disorders like substance abuse or addiction. Our beautiful 400-acre rural campus provides a natural background for healing and growth.
Our residential treatment program is considered one of the best in the nation because we treat people, not their diagnoses. In addition to the most recent evidence-based treatment modalities, we offer amenities, including:
- Private or semi-private rooms
- 24-hour access to support staff
- Community meeting areas
- Library
- Gym and exercise rooms
- Art and music classes
- Computer lab
You or your loved one do not have to battle schizoaffective disorder alone. Contact our team at 866.367.0220 or reach out online to discover the benefits of our mental health treatment programs.
