Most people with this illness have periodic episodes, called relapses, when their symptoms surface. Many individuals with schizoaffective disorder are originally diagnosed with manic depression. Schizoaffective disorder is more common in women than in men. Men with schizoaffective disorder tend to exhibit antisocial traits and behavior in contrast to other personality traits. In addition, the age of onset is later for women than for men, and the exact etiology and epidemiology is unclear because of limited research in this area. Estimates of the prevalence of schizoaffective disorder vary widely, but schizoaffective manic patients appear to comprise 3-5% of psychiatric admissions to typical clinical centers. At one point it was widely believed that schizoaffective disorder was associated with increased risk of mood disorders in relatives. This may have been because of the number of patients with psychotic mood disorders who were included in schizoaffective study populations. the cause may be similar to schizophrenia nature versus nurture. Environmental causes of malnutrition, viral infections, or complication at birth may play a role. Abnormalities of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and/or dopamine could all have a role in this disorder.
Causes of Schizoaffective Disorder
Common Causes and Risk factors of Schizoaffective Disorder
Genetics (heredity)
Brain chemistry ( Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters).
Environmental/psychological factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
Sign and Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
Paranoid thoughts and ideas.
Delusions.
Hallucinations.
Unclear or confused thoughts.
Bouts of depression.
Thoughts of suicide or homicide.
Deficits in attention and memory.
Lack of concern about hygiene and physical appearance.
Changes in energy and appetite.
Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder
Common Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder
Older (tricyclic) antidepressants often worsen schizoaffective disorder. Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, clonazepam) often can dramatically reduce the agitation and anxiety of schizoaffective patients.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used effectively in small percentage of schizoaffective patients, particularly those of the catatonic subtype. Patients with an illness duration of less than 1 year are most responsive. This therapy offers little hope for lasting improvement in chronic schizoaffective patients.
Group therapy, combined with drugs, produces somewhat better results than drug treatment alone, particularly with schizoaffective outpatients. This supportive group therapy can be especially helpful in decreasing social isolation and increasing reality testing.
Family therapy can significantly decrease relapse rates for the schizoaffective family member. In high-stress families, schizophenic patients given standard aftercare relapse 50-60% of the time in the first year out of hospital. Supportive family therapy can reduce this relapse rate to below 10 percent. Self-Help groups in which family members of schizoaffective patients discuss and share issues, have been particularly helpful in this regard.
Behavior therapy in hospital often involves rewarding desired behaviors with specific privileges, such as ground privileges or weekend passes.
Schizophreniform Disorder is more likely to occur in people if they have family members with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (also called manic depression). The disorder occurs equally in men and women, although it often strikes men at a younger age, between the ages of 18 and 24. Schizophreniform disorder appears to be related to abnormalities in the structure and chemistry of the brain, and appears to have strong genetic links. Treatment of schizophreniform disorder is generally the same as that for schizophrenia. Treatment aims to protect and stabilize the patient, to minimize the psychosocial consequences, and to resolve the target symptoms with minimal adverse effects. Antipsychotic medications are the most common type of medication used to treat this disorder, but other medications such as tranquilizers and antidepressants may also be of value. The patient who may be at risk of harming himself or herself or others requires hospitalization. This allows for complete diagnostic evaluation and helps to ensure the safety of the patient and others. A supportive environment with minimal stimulation is most helpful. As improvement progresses, help with coping skills, problem-solving techniques, and psychoeducational approaches may be added for patients and their families. Patients may benefit from a structured intermediate environment, such as a day hospital, during the initial phases of returning to the community.
Causes of Schizophrenia
Common Causes and Risk factors of Schizophrenia
Genetics factors.
Environmental factors.
Stress.
Abnormal brain development
Brain chemistry ( Imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain.).
Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Sign and Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Hallucinations.
Delusions.
Paranoia.
Disorganized speech.
Disorganized or catatonic behavior.
Treatment of Schizophrenia
Common Treatment of Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic medication-These medications are often very effective in treating SFD.
Mood-stabilizing drugs similar to those used in bipolar disorder may be used if there is little response to other interventions.
Postpartum psychosis is also treated with antipsychotics and possibly, hormones.
Supportive therapy and education about mental illness is often valuable.
Psychotherapy: is generally not very effective as a treatment for this disorder. It may be of benefit to both the patient and family members to assist in acceptance of the diagnosis.
If the SFD is a persistent postpartum psychosis, Avoid having additional children.