Essay On Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder as described in mayoclinic.org is when someone is diagnosed with a combination of schizophrenia and a separate mood disorder such as mania or depression. In the DSM 5 schizoaffective disorder actually has two classifications. F25.0 is classified as a bipolar type illness while F25.1 is classified as a depressive type. There is currently no one test available that is able to determine if someone has schizoaffective disorder. In fact schizoaffective disorder is very difficult to diagnose due to its similarities to schizophrenia with its major difference being the mood problems that come with either depression or mania.Instead for one to be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder varies test might be used. A physical exam for example as well as a MRI scan of the brain and blood test might be used to rule out a physical illness for the problems the patient might be experiencing. According to WebMD.com symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include all the symptoms of schizophrenia; delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, strange behavior,slow movements, lack of emotion, poor motivation, and problems with speech and communication.Symptoms of mania or depression are also present such as being more active than usual, talking more/faster, rapid thoughts, little need for sleep, full of …show more content…
These medications are antipsychotics, for the psychotic symptoms, and either antidepressants or lithium for the other mood symptoms. Antipsychotics help with the paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. Antidepressants help with the feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, sleep trouble, and trouble with concentration. Psychotherapy is used to help the ill with bettering their social skills and help them understand their situation. Group therapy can also be used to help the ill feel less