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Schizoaffective
Disorder
Category
Psychotic
Disorders
Etiology
Most
theories suggest a biological component for this disorder, much like for
schizophrenia.
Symptoms
The
term schizoaffective implies a combination of schizophrenia and an
affective (or mood) disorder, which is actually quite accurate. Symptoms
include those for schizophrenia (see above) as well as a Major Depressive,
manic, or mixed episode (see mood disorders). The psychotic (or
schizophrenic like symptoms) must be present without any disturbance in
mood for a minimum of two weeks.
Treatment
Treatment
typically involves medication to treat both the psychotic and affective
symptoms. Therapy can be helpful in terms of increasing interpersonal
skills, insight into the illness and need for medication. Assistance with
occupational issues can also be beneficial.
Prognosis
There
is no cure for this disorder so prognosis is poor. However, medication has
been shown to be quite effective against the psychotic symptoms and
therapy can help the individual cope with the illness better and improve
social functioning. Absence of what is termed the negative symptoms
(flatted affect, avolition, and poor social interaction) improves the
prognosis significantly.
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