Schizoaffective Disorder What is it How does it

Schizoaffective Disorder What is it? How does it affect the person diagnosed? How is it dealt with? Alexandra Chapman 8 th period

What is Schizoaffective Disorder? A mental disorder that consists of Schizophrenia and a mood disorder (bipolar or depression) No known cause, genetics and chemical environment of the brain may be involved Rare in children Women > Men Affects 1/100 schizophrenia + depression = schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia + (depression + mania) = schizoaffective disorder To understand this disorder we must first understand what schizophrenia and the most common mood disorder experienced with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, is.

Schizophrenia How does Schizophrenia answer those 3 questions?

What is Schizophrenia? A serious mental disorder that: confuses fantasy and reality, makes it hard to think clearly, makes expressing emotions hard, and makes acting normally in a social setting hard Not absolute sure of cause but genes play a role Women = Men Signs in teen years or young adulthood; women’s signs appear later Childhood schizophrenia is rare, starts after age 5, hard to defer from other things like autism Schizophrenics are NOT all violent people Most lead somewhat normal lives 1% of Americans suffer from

Symptoms of Schizophrenia How does it affect the person diagnosed? There are three types: positive, negative, and cognitive

Positive Symptoms (Psychotic Symptoms) Hallucinations (hearing, seeing, smelling, feeling things that are not there that no one else does) Delusions (strongly held false beliefs) Disorganized thinking patterns (can’t organize or express thoughts logically) Paranoia (delusions of persecution [ someone is out to hurt them]) Agitated body movements (repeat certain movements uncontrollably or no body response)

Negative Symptoms (Behavioral Disruptions) Monotone voice Little to no movement in face or body when speaking Lack of motivation Lack of happiness Very little speech Neglecting of basic hygiene Laziness

Cognitive Symptoms (Mental Abilities) Trouble understanding info needed to make decisions (choices) Trouble focusing, staying attentive, and/or concentrating Trouble applying learned information

“Treatment” This is a life-long disease so there is no cure.

How is it dealt with? Antipsychotic Medications Side Effects include: restlessness, weight gain, sleepiness, dizziness, tremors, slowed movements Long term use can lead to dyskinesia (repetition of certain movements uncontrollably) Support Programs and Therapy Can lead to: physical illness, substance abuse, or suicide/suicidal behavior

Bipolar Disorder How does this disorder answer those three questions?

What is Bipolar Disorder? A mood disorder where a person has extreme, abnormal periods (episodes) of severe depression and/or severe mania Not exactly sure of cause but they think the brain’s chemical environment and genetics play a role Women = Men Starts ages 15 -25 High risk of suicide and substance abuse Depressive episodes < Manic episodes Childbirth, insomnia, drug use, and antidepressants/steroids can trigger a manic episode

Types of Bipolar Disorder Mania Hypomania Bipolar I Disorder Cyclothymia Normal Bipolar II Disorder Mild Depression Major Depressive

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder How does it affect the person diagnosed? What are the symptoms of a manic and a depressive episode?

Manic Symptoms Easily distracted Bad temper Bad judgment Lack of need for sleep Lack of self-control Elevated mood Reckless behavior Irritable Fast and excessive speech Very involved

Depressive Symptoms Downed mood; sad Eating problems Difficulty concentrating and focusing Difficulty making decisions and remembering things Fatigue Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty Lowered self-esteem Loss of pleasure Suicidal thoughts or behavior Over-sleeping or insomnia Isolation

“Treatment” This is a life-long disorder with no cure

How is it dealt with? Part I The goals of treatment: Decrease severity of episodes Decrease frequency of episodes Prevent self-harm Prevent suicide Help function well “normally” daily

How is it dealt with? Part II 2 Types of medicines used 1 st- mood stabilizers to “avoid” mood swings 2 nd- antipsychotics and antidepressants Other cases May be hospitalized in severe episodes Stay until mood is stable and behavior is controlled

Schizoaffective Disorder Now that we know what it consists of, how does it answer our two remaining questions?

Quick Review In case you forgot about what Schizoaffective Disorder is… A mental disorder that includes schizophrenia and a mood disorder schizophrenia + depression = schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia + (depression + mania) = schizoaffective disorder

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder How does it affect the person diagnosed?

Symptoms Many of those in common with symptoms of Schizophrenia (psychosis) Extreme mood disturbances Many in common with bipolar symptoms Psychosis symptoms solely must be experienced for at least 2 weeks Things that can mimic these symptoms but are NOT Schizoaffective Disorder Seizure disorders Steroid medications Drug abuse

“Treatment” Like Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia, this is a life-long disease

How is it dealt with? Treatment options Antipsychotic medications Antidepressant medications Mood stabilizing medicines Speech therapy Talk therapy Group therapy Work training/support Treatment complications Drug abuse Medication/therapy problems

We will now proceed to going over the notes handout as a class. Thank you!