While schizophrenia and depression are well-known, the merging of their symptoms can result in schizoaffective disorder. This condition, affecting less than 1% of the US population, combines traits of schizophrenia and mood disorders but is a distinct diagnosis in the DSM.
Individuals with schizoaffective disorder are frequently misdiagnosed as schizophrenic or bipolar. The mental health experts at Alta Loma can discern the nuances of this disorder to assist clients in symptom management and mental well-being enhancement.
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What is Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health condition with overlapping symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions or hallucinations, and mood related symptoms, such as manic or depressive episodes. Much like there are different types of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder can be characterized as either bipolar or depressive, depending on which symptoms individuals experience.
Bipolar type schizoaffective disorder
Includes alternating episodes of mania (“highs”) and major depression (“lows”).
Depressive type schizoaffective disorder
Includes episodes of major depression
Although the symptoms can vary, schizoaffective disorder makes it hard for a person to manage everyday problems related to work, school and relationships. Left untreated, schizoaffective disorder can increase the risk of substance abuse, major depressive episodes, brain disorder and a decreased ability to function normally. Those with the condition may need extra support to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, but finding proper care and treatment of schizoaffective disorder can be challenging. That’s why Alta Loma provides premier mental health services for women who are dealing with schizoaffective disorder and other psychotic disorders. We know that with the right approach, recovery is possible.
Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder includes psychotic symptoms, such as a loss of touch with reality, along with episodes of mania or depression. Psychotic symptoms can appear separately or together and often come in cycles but may differ depending on which type of schizoaffective disorder a person has. Some of the psychotic symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include the following:
- Delusions (false beliefs, paranoia, misinterpretations of reality, etc.)
- Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, etc.)
- Disorganized thinking
- Speech and communication problems
- Depressed mood
- Manic episodes (euphoria, racing thoughts, risky behavior)
- Increased risk of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts
What Triggers Schizoaffective Disorder?
Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder typically emerge during late teens or early adulthood, often influenced by factors like stressful events, substance use, or a family history of mental illness. Initially, this disorder is commonly misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, with the correct diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder only considered when severe symptoms manifest.
Detecting schizoaffective disorder in individuals with autism spectrum disorder can be challenging due to symptom similarities such as communication difficulties, mood fluctuations, and fixation tendencies. Given that schizoaffective disorder, like other mental illnesses, does not resolve on its own, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is crucial for symptom management and effective treatment planning. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and enhanced self-management techniques to optimize outcomes.
Regain Your Mental Wellbeing at Alta Loma
Deep in the heart of Texas, we are wholly focused on finding, treating and rehabilitating your mental health and the effects of substance abuse. Schizoaffective Disorder may be rare and commonly misdiagnosed, but knowing what’s holding you back is key in treatment of any mental illness. If you or a loved one shows signs & symptoms discussed in this piece, please contact Alta Loma today! Don’t go another day undertreating, mistreating or not treating your mental wellbeing.
Schizoaffective Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Research indicates that both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share genetic risk factors with autism spectrum disorders. It is not surprising that the same applies to individuals with schizoaffective disorder. People with autism spectrum disorders are more likely than the general population to receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia and/or a mood disorder. Recognizing the co-occurrence of these mental illnesses is essential for providing appropriate support.
Alta Loma is well-prepared to assist individuals with schizoaffective disorder and a co-occurring autism spectrum disorder. While each disorder is complex individually, their combination presents unique challenges. Our tailored treatment plans, expert mental health team, and comprehensive approach can aid clients in managing co-occurring mental illnesses effectively. We focus on long-term strategies for symptom control to foster a life of recovery, equilibrium, and stability.
Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment at Alta Loma
At Alta Loma, we provide transformational mental health services for women of all ages with schizoaffective disorder and other psychiatric conditions, including co-occurring substance use disorders or autism. With a highly trained clinical team and a specialized approach that exceeds industry standards, we’re well-equipped to help those with chronic mental health conditions find hope, healing, and a life of recovery with improved long-term outcomes. Some of the strategies we use include:
CBT Treatment
Nutrition Education
Medication Management
Recreational Therapy
Truthought Curriculum
Community Integration
What is the Best Treatment For Schizoaffective Disorder?
We know that the most effective treatment plans go beyond symptom management and encompass the full scope of each client’s physical, emotional and mental health needs, so we integrate a range of effective therapies for truly comprehensive care such as group therapy, family therapy, social skills training and more. Schizoaffective disorder can affect every aspect of a person’s life, and our goal is to help clients achieve a renewed sense of mental wellness and develop the skills they’ll need to stay happy, healthy, and successful long after the mental illness treatment.
Our Facilities & Programs
Our facilities are meticulously crafted to offer solace, recovery, and a feeling of belonging. From expansive, elegantly furnished bedrooms that guarantee seclusion and peace, to shared spaces that nurture relationships and companionship, each aspect has been meticulously planned to enhance the journey to well-being.
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You understand your needs best. If you have found yourself at a crossroads in your treatment and feel like your program options don’t fully understand you or aspects of your recovery, it’s time to contact the specialists at Alta Loma.
phone
(512) 877-4883
Opening Hours
Open 24 Hours
Adress
103 E 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626
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