Schizoaffective disorder

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Schizoaffective disorder

The treatment of people with schizoaffective disorder varies. Generally, medications are prescribed to stabilize mood and to treat psychosis. Neuroleptic medications (antipsychotics) are used to treat psychotic symptoms.

Lithium may be used to manage mania and to stabilize mood. Anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid and carbamazepine are effective mood stabilizers. These medications may take up to 3 weeks to relieve symptoms.

Usually the combination of antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medication controls both depressive and manic symptoms, but antidepressants may also be needed in some cases.

People with schizoaffective disorder have a greater chance of returning to a previous level of functioning than patients with other psychotic disorders. However, long-term treatment is necessary and individual outcomes may vary.

Complications are similar to those for schizophrenia and major mood disorders. These include:

• Problems following medical treatment and therapy
• Abuse of drugs in an attempt to self-medicate
• Problems resulting from manic behavior (for example, spending sprees, sexual indiscretions)
• Suicidal behavior due to depressive or psychotic symptoms

Call your provider or mental health professional if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following:

• Strange or unusual thoughts or perceptions
• Inability to care for basic personal needs
• Bouts of depression with feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• Increase in energy and involvement in risky behavior that is sudden in onset and out of character (for instance, going days without sleeping and feeling no need for sleep)
• Symptoms worsening or not improving with treatment
• Feelings and thoughts of suicide

Review Date: 05/08/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.