What is Schizoaffective disorder?
'''Schizoaffective disorder''' is a [[mental health condition]] that combines symptoms of [[schizophrenia]] and [[Mood disorder|mood disorders]]. People with this disorder experience both [[Psychosis|psychotic]] symptoms and mood episodes. == Symptoms == Schizoaffective disorder has two main types of [[Symptom|symptoms]]: Psychotic symptoms (like in schizophrenia): * [[Hallucination|Hallucinations]] (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) * [[Delusion|Delusions]] (false beliefs) * [[Disorganized thinking]] Mood symptoms: * [[Depression (mental illness)|Depression]] (feeling very sad or hopeless) * [[Mania]] (feeling extremely happy or irritable) Psychotic symptoms must be present without mood symptoms for at least 2 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders {{!}} Psychiatry Online|url=https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596|access-date=2024-08-25|website=DSM Library|language=en|doi=10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596}}</ref> == Types == There are two main types of schizoaffective disorder: * [[Bipolar disorder|Bipolar]] type: includes manic episodes * [[Depression (mental illness)|Depressive]] type: includes only major depressive episodes == Causes == The exact cause is unknown, but factors that may contribute include: * [[Genetics]] * [[Brain chemistry]] * [[Stress (biology)|Stress]] * [[Pharmacy|Drug use]] * Spiritual trials == Diagnosis == Schizoaffective disorder is diagnosed by a [[psychiatrist]]. [[Diagnosis]] is based on: * Symptoms reported by the patient * Observation of the patient's behavior * Medical and psychiatric history * Test to rule out other conditions == Treatment == Treatment usually involves [[medication]]s such as [[antipsychotic]]s, [[Mood stabilizer|mood stabilizers]], and [[antidepressant]]s. [[Psychotherapy]] (talk therapy), and social support and education are also treatments. == References == {{Reflist}} {{Mood disorders}} {{med-stub}} [[Category:Schizophrenia]]