Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health condition that can negatively affect a person’s mood, thoughts, and behavior. It features persistent manic or major depressive episodes, along with symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia.
This makes it complicated to diagnose. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) notes that many people who struggle with schizoaffective disorder are incorrectly diagnosed at first with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
East Tennessee Behavioral Health provides inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment for adolescents, adults, and senior adults. With the support of our team, people who are struggling with schizoaffective disorder can learn the skills necessary to change the negative behavior patterns that have affected them.
Signs & Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
The signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are dependent on a number of factors, including the type of mood episode a person is experiencing.
Common signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Inability to convey thoughts
- Trouble remembering things
- Catatonic behavior
- Withdrawal from loved ones
- Rapid weight gain or weight loss
- Frequent engagement in dangerous or reckless behaviors
- Lack of facial expressiveness
- Lack of attention to appearance or personal hygiene
It is important that anyone who displays signs or symptoms of schizoaffective disorder seeks help at a qualified schizoaffective disorder treatment center. At East Tennessee Behavioral Health, we can conduct an assessment to help provide an accurate diagnosis and determine if our treatment place is right for you.
Schizoaffective Disorder Statistics
Schizoaffective disorder is relatively rare. According to NAMI, the disorder only affects 0.3% of the United States population.
The following are some other statistics related to schizoaffective disorder in the U.S.:
- NAMI notes that, while the prevalence of schizoaffective disorder is about the same for men and women, men are often diagnosed at an earlier age.
- According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM), 30% of cases of schizoaffective disorder occur between ages 25 and 35, and the disorder occurs more frequently in women.
- As described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), approximately 5% of Americans who suffer from schizoaffective disorder die by suicide.
Potential Effects of Schizoaffective Disorder
The effects of schizoaffective disorder can vary significantly from person to person. Experiencing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can undermine a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, making it difficult for them to live a productive life.
Potential effects of schizoaffective disorder can include:
- Inability to find and keep a job
- Legal troubles
- Financial concerns
- Homelessness
- Trouble forming or maintaining relationships
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Loss of support among friends and family
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Onset or worsening of other mental health disorders
Schizoaffective disorder may seem like an intimidating mental illness to address, but it is treatable. By getting appropriate support at a qualified schizoaffective disorder treatment center, you can learn to manage your symptoms, reduce your risk for experiencing these negative effects, and rediscover a healthier way of life.
Benefits of Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
A huge hurdle with schizoaffective disorder is receiving an accurate diagnosis. Finding a schizoaffective disorder treatment center that can provide you with an accurate assessment of the mental health concern you’re facing is a significant step forward.
At our schizoaffective disorder treatment place, you may benefit from working with professionals who specialize in treating schizoaffective disorder symptoms. They can teach you the skills and strategies necessary to help you regain control of your overall well-being.
Like many mental health concerns, schizoaffective disorder can leave you feeling confused and alone. But there are people who understand your struggles. At our treatment place, you can engage with and learn from other patients who are struggling with symptoms of schizoaffective disorder during group therapy sessions. These sessions can allow you to share your experiences and get the support you need as you work toward healing.
Therapies Used in Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
Everyone who comes to East Tennessee Behavioral Health for schizoaffective disorder treatment follows a treatment plan that is designed based on their unique needs and goals.
Your schizoaffective disorder treatment plan may include:
- Medication management services
- Detoxification services for certain co-occurring addictions
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Basic medical care
We incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational enhancement into our programming. Group therapy may consist of process and psychoeducational groups, where topics can include healthy living and coping skills. Our care team will utilize the approach that works best for you.
Schizoaffective disorder can severely impact a person’s ability to carry out daily activities if left untreated. But with the help of the professionals at East Tennessee Behavioral Health, you can begin to manage your symptoms and live a happier, more satisfying life.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at East Tennessee Behavioral Health.