Is schizoaffective disorder a severe mental illness?
Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health condition. It has features of both schizophrenia and a mood (affective) disorder. Schizoaffective symptoms may include symptoms of mania, depression and psychosis. It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.
Can you lead a normal life with schizoaffective disorder?
Untreated, complications may include substance misuse, isolation, physical health problems, an inability to live independently, and suicide. Schizoaffective disorder can be managed, though, and adults diagnosed with it can manage symptoms and live a normal, fulfilled, and independent life.
Can you be successful with schizoaffective disorder?
While there is no cure for schizoaffective disorder, with continuing treatment, long-term supervision by a clinical team, and caring support from family and friends, someone can create a fulfilling life in recovery.
What schizoaffective feels like?
People with schizoaffective disorder can have a wide variety of different symptoms, including having unusual perceptual experiences (hallucinations) or beliefs others do not share (delusions), mood (such as marked depression), low motivation, inability to experience pleasure, and poor attention.
What it’s like living with schizoaffective?
The lives of people with schizoaffective disorder are marked by uncertainty, unpredictability, and stress, and the longer they go without receiving medical assistance the more likely they are to experience significant personal, professional, and health-related hardships.
What should I do if I think I have schizoaffective disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder can be managed effectively with medication and therapy….Treatment
- Medications, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications and antidepressants.
- Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or family-focused therapy.
- Self-management strategies and education.
Do I have schizoaffective forever?
Schizoaffective disorder will not go away on its own, but the prognosis is much better than other psychotic disorders. The treatment options are effective at minimizing the symptoms someone will experience.
How does a schizoaffective person act?
Do you hear voices with schizoaffective disorder?
Common symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder include positive symptoms (hearing voices, unusual beliefs), negative symptoms (apathy, little emotion, poor attention and concentration) and other symptoms such as depression or mania.