Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder share some similarities, but they are two separate mental health conditions. In many ways, schizoaffective disorder is a more severe form of schizophrenia. It comes with a mood component, and the person might exhibit symptoms of mania or depression. While the treatments are the same, having the correct diagnosis may help improve the treatment outcome and the individual’s quality of life.
Schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia share some symptoms and treatments. What should a person know when they have been diagnosed with either condition? When might a psychiatric facility be needed as part of the treatment plan?
Major Differences
Each disorder has corresponding diagnostic criteria, but some mental health professionals feel they are the same condition, just different forms. To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, the person must have psychotic systems and symptoms of a mood disorder. With the symptoms of the mood disorder, they receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, a person must have symptoms for six months or more to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. Treating schizoaffective disorder requires the person to be treated for the mood disorder along with the psychotic symptoms.
Symptoms of Each Disorder
Symptoms differ by the individual but the conditions share certain symptoms. People with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder might have hallucinations and delusions, along with other symptoms. Men and women with schizoaffective disorder may be depressed or exhibit manic behavior. They often have disorganized thinking. Individuals with schizophrenia often find they have difficulty expressing emotions. They may struggle with memory or concentration issues and no longer enjoy favorite activities. They offer suffer from a loss of motivation.
What Causes Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder?
Researchers have yet to identify an exact cause for either condition. However, they believe there is a genetic component because both conditions run in families. Some family members may develop schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder while others never have symptoms of either condition. The structure of a person’s brain and how it transmits signals might play a role in whether a person develops either condition and researchers believe the use of LSD could put a person more at risk of schizoaffective disorder. Cannabis use, on the other hand, might increase a person’s risk of schizophrenia.
Diagnosing Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
Doctors look for certain symptoms when diagnosing a person with either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. To receive a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, the person must have symptoms that are not related to substance abuse and they must have hallucinations or delusions with a major mood episode for a minimum of two weeks. They must also have a period in which they experience hallucinations or delusions along with mania or depression.
Diagnosing schizophrenia can be challenging. Drug use may produce similar symptoms, and many people refuse to admit they have problems. There is no diagnostic test for schizophrenia. Medical professionals spend six months or more monitoring the person’s symptoms while working to rule out other causes of behavioral changes. If the person has two or more of the following symptoms throughout this period, they may be diagnosed with schizophrenia.
- hallucinations or delusions
- disorganized speech or behavior
- negative symptoms
- catatonic behavior
Treating Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
Doctors often prescribe medications to treat the hallucinations and delusions seen with either condition. Psychotherapies might be used, including cognitive behavioral therapy, to address the symptoms. In addition, the patient and their family need to be educated on the disorder and how to manage it. For those with schizoaffective disorder, medications to address this disorder are also needed along with other mood disorder treatments. In certain cases, the person might need time in a facility to get the help they need.
Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are similar mental health conditions. However, there are differences which is why the correct diagnosis is needed. With this diagnosis, a person can get the help they need and improve their quality of life.