Schizoaffective Disorder (Work In Progress)
Schizoaffective Disorder is a mental health condition with combined symptoms of schizophrenia and
mood disorder, like depression or bipolar disorder, for instance. Symptoms may occur at any given time.
Schizoaffective disorder is common, with more than 200,000 cases per year in the U.S. It effects roughly 0.3% of the population. Periods of severe symptoms are usually followed by periods of improvement.
Symptoms can/are not limited to include:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Periods of Severe Depression
- Periods of Severe Mania & High Energy
Ages 19-60 are the most highly affected age group of this disorder,
but people from 6-18 can also develop symptoms & eventually be diagnosed.
Cognitive: delusion, thought disorder, racing thoughts, thoughts of suicide, false belief, feelings of superiority
Mood: anxiety, euphoria, hopelessness, limited range of emotion(s), loss of interest or pleasure in activities, or mood swings
Psychological: depression, hallucination(s), paranoia, psychosis, hearing voices, grandiosity
Behavioral: social isolation, impulsivity, self harm, sudden increases in energy
Body: appetite changes, restlessness
Rapid and frenzied speaking is also a common symptom for people with this disorder.
How does it start?
Scientists and doctors don't know the exact cause of Schizoaffective disorder, but it is commonly thought to be linked to either genetics (heredity), brain structure, or both. Close reletives with Schizoaffective disorder, Schizophrenia or a mood disorder can add, double or even triple your chance of developing the disorder. Advanced paternal age at the time of conception can also cause a higher risk of developing Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.Research suggests several things: women are more prone to have this disorder then men, men develop it either eariler or later in life then women, but nothing is really confirmed just yet.
Sources: Google Search, NAMI, WebMD, verywellmind, MedicalNewsToday
