Schizoaffective disorder is a psychiatric illness characterized by a combination of psychotic features and mood symptoms.
This disorder can be difficult to cope with.
Its also confusing and distressing for friends and family who care about a person living with the condition.
Characteristics
Schizoaffective disorder has a combination of traits ofschizophreniaandmood disorders.
That means that a person haspsychosis, withhallucinationsanddelusions, as well asclinical depressionor mania.
Types
There are two types of schizoaffective disorder.
They differ based on the mood disorder that’s associated with the psychosis.
Schizoaffective disorder can result in episodes of psychosis and mood instability that impair self-care and interactions with others.
Treatment
Schizoaffective disorder isnt curable, but its manageable.
Treatment includes psychotherapy and prescription medications.
Medications can include antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.
Sometimes, inpatient hospitalization is necessary during severe episodes.
Myths
Schizoaffective disorder, like many psychiatric illnesses, is often misunderstood.
A Word From Verywell
Living with schizoaffective disorder means dealing with many challenges.
This condition can be complicated to understand for the person who has the disorder and for others around them.
Malaspina D, Owen MJ, Heckers S, et al.Schizoaffective disorder in the DSM-5.Schizophr Res.
2013;150(1):21-25. doi:10.1016/j.schres.2013.04.026
Genetics Home Reference.Schizoaffective disorder.
2016;36(5):429-35.doi:10.1097/JCP.0000000000000549
