What is schizoaffective disorder? is it different from schizophrenia?

Schizoaffective is a type of mental illness that is often mistaken for being "crazy" or possessed. Limited access to health means that many people with schizoaffective disease do not receive proper treatment. Get to know schizoaffective disorder more fully in this article.

What is schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental disorder in which a person experiences a combination of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, and symptoms of a mood disorder such as depression or mania.

There are two types of mental illness that fall under the symptoms of schizophrenia. The two types of schizoaffective disorder are bipolar type which includes mania and major depression, anddepression type which only includes depressive symptoms.

As reported by the Mayo Clinic website, schizoaffective disorders are very difficult to understand, unlike other mental disorders. Why is it difficult to understand? Because schizoaffective symptoms themselves tend to vary in each person who experiences this disorder.

Schizoaffective disorder that is not immediately treated and treated will cause various problems in performing daily tasks, including a decrease in work productivity and school performance due to symptoms of this mental illness.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can vary from person to person, depending on the type of disorder, whether bipolar type or depression type. A person with schizoaffective disorder will usually experience a cycle of symptoms. There are times when they experience severe symptoms of this disorder, followed by an improvement in symptoms. The following symptoms are commonly shown by someone with schizoaffective disorder:

• Delusions. Have a false awareness of the meaning of reality that is not in accordance with the actual situation.
• Hallucinations. Often hear sounds or see things that are not there.
• Depression symptoms. Often feel empty, sad, and worthless.
• Mood disturbances. There is a sudden change in mood or an increase in energy that is not consistent with the behavior or character.
• Communication disorders. If given a question, it will only answer part of the question or even give an answer that is completely unrelated to the question.
• Cannot do daily activities. Has decreased in work productivity and achievement at school.
• Don't care about appearance. A person who experiences this disorder, cannot take care of himself and does not care about cleanliness.

Cause a person can experience schizoaffective disorder

Actually, the experts do not know what causes schizoaffective with certainty. This condition is thought to have a risk of being formed by a combination of many factors, such as psychological, physical, genetic, and environmental. However, there are several risk factors that are thought to have contributed to the formation of this condition, including:

• Genetic factors in families with schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
• Experiencing excessive stress which can trigger symptoms.
• Taking psychoactive and psychotropic drugs.

A person who has schizoaffective disorder is at high risk of:

• Suicide, attempted suicide or suicidal thoughts.
• Feeling isolated from the surrounding environment.
• Conflict with family or with other people.
• Unemployment.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Easily becomes involved in alcohol or drug abuse.
• Health problems.
• Poverty and homelessness.

Diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective is a mental disorder, so the examination must be carried out by a psychiatric specialist or psychiatrist. To determine the diagnosis and choice of appropriate treatment, a doctor or psychiatrist generally performs a series of tests that include:

• Physical test
• Psychological evaluation of the patient
• CT scan
• MRI
• Blood test

CT scan or MRI examination in schizoaffective cases is intended to see any abnormalities in the structure of the brain and central nervous system. Meanwhile, blood tests are carried out to ensure that the patient's symptoms are not from the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other health conditions.

Treatment options for schizoaffective

Treatment for schizoaffective will actually vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms. In some cases, a temporary stay in the hospital may be required. While long-term treatment that is carried out regularly may also help control the symptoms of this disease.

People with schizoaffective disorder will generally receive a combination of medication, psychological therapy, and training in skills for daily activities.