When it comes to mental health issues, there is a lot of confusion about the different diagnoses. Two disorders that are often confused are schizoaffective disorder vs. bipolar disorder. Though both involve changes in mood, they are actually two very different disorders. While there are some similarities, there are also key distinctions. It’s important to know the differences in order to receive the correct treatment. Both disorders can cause distressing symptoms and have serious impacts on daily functioning.
If you or a loved one is coping with the side effects of either schizoaffective disorder vs. bipolar disorder, there is help available. Rose Hill Center’s Holly, Michigan bipolar disorder treatment center offers personalized, evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder. Treatment is also available for schizoaffective disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by extreme changes in mood. People with bipolar disorder will experience periods of mania, during which they feel excessively happy or energized, followed by periods of depression, during which they feel extremely sad or hopeless.
Side effects of the disorder include:
- Impulsive or risky behavior
- Irritability or anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep issues
Bipolar disorder typically begins in the teenage years or early adulthood and can be managed with a combination of medication and therapy. It can be a very debilitating illness, making it difficult for those who suffer from it to lead normal, productive lives. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but it can be effectively managed with medication and therapy.
What is Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterized by changes in mood as well as changes in thinking and perception. People with schizoaffective disorder will experience periods of mania or depression, as well as periods of psychosis, during which they may see or hear things that are not really there (hallucinations) or believe things that are not true (delusions).
Side effects of the disorder include:
- Social withdrawal
- Disorganized thinking or speech
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to care for oneself
Schizoaffective disorder typically begins in young adulthood and can also be managed with medication and therapy. It is a less common disorder, affecting about 0.3% of the population.
Like bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder can be a very debilitating illness. There is no cure for schizoaffective disorder, but it can be effectively managed with medication and therapy.
Bipolar Disorder vs. Schizoaffective Disorder
When it comes to schizoaffective disorder vs. bipolar disorder, one key difference is that bipolar disorder does not involve psychotic symptoms, while schizoaffective disorder does. People with bipolar disorder will experience changes in mood only, while those with schizoaffective disorder may also experience changes in thinking and perception.
Another important distinction between schizoaffective disorder vs. bipolar disorder is that the cause of schizoaffective disorder is unclear, while the cause of bipolar disorder is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Getting the correct diagnosis is important for receiving the most effective treatment. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, can properly diagnose and treat schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder.
Find Specialized Help at Rose Hill Center
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. An experienced mental health professional can help you determine whether you have bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or another mental health issue. Rose Hill Center offers comprehensive treatment for all types of mental illness. Contact us today by using our secure online form or by calling us at 866.367.0220 to learn more about our program and how we can help you or your loved one get on the road to recovery.
