Schizoaffective disorder is a complex and often misunderstood condition that has a negative effect on a person’s moods, thoughts and behaviors. While the exact cause is unknown, it tends to run in families and may be due to an imbalance of certain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Knowing how to help someone with schizoaffective disorder can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can provide support and create a stable and caring environment conducive to treatment.
What Is Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is a rare mental health condition combining symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Only 3 in every 1,000 people in the United States have this condition. Because the condition is uncommon, it’s often misdiagnosed as depression or bipolar disorder. Symptoms vary from one person to another, but individuals usually have a psychotic episode that lasts at least 2 weeks at a time combined with feelings of depression and mania. Other symptoms may include:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Poor hygiene
- Racing thoughts
- Risky behaviors
- Speech and communication issues
- Trouble at work or school
- Suicidal thoughts
Diagnosing Someone With Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder requires a comprehensive evaluation and observation by a mental health professional. The process includes a clinical interview that provides detailed information about any past mental health episodes, including any family history of mental illness. The patient must also explain all symptoms they experience that impact daily life. To receive a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, the individual must display:
- Periods of uninterrupted mental illness
- Manic or depressive episodes
- Symptoms of schizophrenia
- Hallucinations or delusional episodes that last at least 2 weeks at a time
Living With Someone With Schizoaffective Disorder
Living with someone diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder can be challenging. Rarely are these individuals violent, but at times you require patience, understanding and adaptability. Some things you may notice include:
- Unpredictable mood swings. Sudden mood changes can affect an individual’s behavior. At times they may lash out in anger, or you may find it difficult to motivate them to do even small tasks, such as cleaning their room or coming to dinner.
- Hallucinations. Hearing voices and seeing things that aren’t there can be stressful for the person experiencing them and those around them. The individual may react in fear or seem to act out for no reason.
- Inconsistent daily routines. A person with schizoaffective disorder finds maintaining a daily routine extremely challenging. Some days they may function very well, while other days you may have to manage their medications, help get them to appointments and assist with personal hygiene.
- Communication. Psychotic symptoms can cause individuals to babble incoherently, which can make it difficult to understand what they’re going through.
How to Help Someone With Schizoaffective Disorder
Supporting someone with schizoaffective disorder can be challenging, and in some cases, you may need help yourself. The most important step is to educate yourself on the condition and the symptoms. Learn how to identify specific triggers and early symptoms of an episode so you can compile a plan of action. Education also helps you remain calm in situations, which can aid both you and the individual experiencing the episode.
When the individual hears voices during an episode, remember that while you can’t hear them, the voices are very real for the person. Learn how to provide a distraction and focus on how they’re feeling.
Other schizoaffective disorder treatment tips include:
- Seek treatment. The first step in helping someone with any mental health condition is to seek treatment. Start with your primary care physician and get recommendations for local mental health providers.
- Reduce stress. Individuals with schizoaffective disorder tend to be sensitive to stress. Create a stress-free environment, and provide support during new activities, such as attending an appointment or taking part in an activity.
- Provide encouragement. You may be tempted to start doing everything for someone struggling with a mental illness, but you must encourage the individual to remain independent. Support them when they make decisions, and respect their choices.
- Rely on support. Seek help from professionals, family, friends and loved ones for both of you. The individual struggling with schizoaffective disorder can’t be expected to deal with symptoms alone, and you shouldn’t either.
Reach Out for Help
If you need help for a friend, family member or loved one diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder or another mental health condition, reach out to the Mental Health Hotline for assistance. We’re here to help 24-7.
