Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders. People with this disorder experience both psychotic symptoms and mood episodes. 

 Symptoms 
Schizoaffective disorder has two main types of symptoms:

Psychotic symptoms (like in schizophrenia):

 Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
 Delusions (false beliefs)
 Disorganized thinking

Mood symptoms:

 Depression (feeling very sad or hopeless)
 Mania (feeling extremely happy or irritable)

Psychotic symptoms must be present without mood symptoms for at least 2 weeks.

 Types 
There are two main types of schizoaffective disorder:

 Bipolar type: includes manic episodes
 Depressive type: includes only major depressive episodes

 Causes 
The exact cause is unknown, but factors that may contribute include:

 Genetics
 Brain chemistry
 Stress
 Drug use
 Spiritual trials

 Diagnosis 
Schizoaffective disorder is diagnosed by a psychiatrist. Diagnosis is based on:

 Symptoms reported by the patient
 Observation of the patient's behavior
 Medical and psychiatric history
 Test to rule out other conditions

 Treatment 
Treatment usually involves medications such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants. Psychotherapy (talk therapy), and social support and education are also treatments.

 References 

Category:Schizophrenia