Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder looks very different in each person who experiences it. Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can include manic symptoms, such as agitation, sleeplessness, and paranoia; depressive symptoms, including sadness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and loss of interest in daily activities; and/or psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking. Thus, symptoms may be similar to those of a psychotic episode or brief psychotic disorder. Therefore, without treatment, the disorder may lead to difficulty functioning at work, at school, and in social situations.

Causes and risk factors, similar to brief psychotic disorder causes, may include genetic factors, abnormalities in the areas of the brain that manage mood, and extreme stress or trauma. Effective treatment includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and family-focused therapy, as well as training in stress management and coping skills.

Sources: Mayo Clinic,  Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness