Can You Have Both Schizophrenia And Schizoaffective Disorder
Can you have both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder?
Can you have both types of schizoaffective disorder?;There are two major types of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type and depressive type.
What symptom is combined with schizophrenia to encompass a schizoaffective disorder?;A note from Cleveland Clinic
Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental health condition. It has features of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder. Schizoaffective symptoms may include symptoms of mania, depression and psychosis.
Are schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia the same thing?;The key difference between schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia is the prominence of the mood disorder. With schizoaffective disorder, the mood disorder is front and center. With schizophrenia, its not a dominant part of the disorder. Another difference is the psychotic symptoms that people experience.
What Schizophrenia May Feel Like
It’s important to remember that each person may experience schizophrenia symptoms in a different way. For example, some people feel:
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Confused about what is real
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Less able to share or show feelings
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Have a hard time thinking clearly or making sense of information
See below for list of common schizophrenia symptoms
Risk Factors For Schizophrenia
Different factors combine to heighten the risk of schizophrenia, says Dr. Bowers:
- Genetics: Having a relative with schizophrenia or one who displays schizophrenic behaviors increases risk.
- Life stressors: Extreme poverty; homelessness; traumatic events early in life; early isolation or deprivation ; or a constant fight for survival heighten risk.
- Hallucinogens: The use of crystal meth, LSD, PCP or psilocybin mushrooms;increases risk in the vulnerable.
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Moving Into Adulthood: A Turning Point
Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed after age 18, most often in a persons 20s or early 30s.
It may be fairly well-controlled early in life, but moving from home to college and encountering new rules, or no rules exposes vulnerable young people to things theyre not prepared to deal with,; says Dr. Bowers.
Living with a college roommate can prove difficult. It may seem easier to avoid talking or eating with others. You tend to isolate yourself and seem preoccupied with your own world, she says.
Increased exposure to alcohol or drug use is also a trigger.
Among 50 college students who smoke pot, a few may get a drug-induced psychosis that clears in weeks, says Dr. Bowers. But one may go on to develop a serious mental health disorder.
Exposure to disturbing news events or potentially false information on the internet and social media can provoke extreme reactions in the vulnerable.
They misperceive whats happening in the environment and develop delusions, she says. They may not make sense or become too aggressive.
Its easy to become so distracted by thoughts that schoolwork and jobs get neglected.
If someone constantly plays video games or focuses only on personal interests, and offers an irrational explanation for avoiding studies or work, thats a warning sign, says Dr. Bowers.
How To Help Someone Else Experiencing Symptoms Of Psychosis:
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Often, family and friends help identify someone who is struggling with psychosis, and suffering from their symptoms, so theyre important to getting them in touch with professionals who can help.
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Stressful life events, such as going off to college or breaking up with a significant other, can trigger psychosis. Further research is needed into why this is, but a low underlying stress tolerance level is often seen.
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Its all right to mention to someone that youre worried about them, and open the door to discussing it at that point or later. You can find out if theres an early-psychosis clinic like U-Ms near you, and provide information or offer to contact them.
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If you notice signs that theyre harming themselves, thats the time to seek immediate help, often by starting with contacting suicide hotline or nearby psychiatric emergency room for advice. People with psychosis have 10 to 15 times the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors than others.
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How Is Schizophrenia Diagnosed
General physical examination – Before you see a mental health professional, seeing your regular doctor to determine if there are other medical conditions is crucial. They will ask questions and may take bloodwork to rule out any other complications. Your doctor will likely run particular tests or schedule an MRI or CT scan to see if there is another neurological condition.
Seeing a psychiatrist – The most accurate way to get a diagnosis with any mental health condition is by seeing a psychiatrist. They are experts in mental health and can give you the best diagnosis. A psychiatrist can diagnose Schizophrenia by checking you against a list of symptoms. They will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a part of the evaluation process to determine if an individual has Schizophrenia.;
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses and conditions. To screen for Schizophrenia, they will see a patient, observe their behavior, and ask them about their thoughts and current mood. Another aspect that the doctor will screen for is if the patient is using drugs or alcohol. A psychiatrist will determine if a patient is having delusions or hallucinations. The doctor will screen the individual for thoughts of self-harm or suicide. After the psychiatric evaluation, the doctor will make a determination.;
Can You Prevent Schizophrenia If Your Parents Have It
You cant prevent schizophrenia if your parents have it. Because schizophrenia has a whole bunch of possible causes, there isnt one definite way to prevent it.
You can reduce your risk of developing schizophrenia by reducing other risk factors. People with schizophrenia can also reduce the symptoms. They can manage their mental health using meds, therapy, and even texting.
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The Most Common Early Warning Signs Include:
While these warning signs can result from a number of problemsnot just schizophreniathey are cause for concern. When out-of-the-ordinary behavior is causing problems in your life or the life of a loved one, seek medical advice. If schizophrenia or another mental problem is the cause, getting treatment early will help.
What Should I Know About Participating In Clinical Research
Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.
Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you. For more information, visit NIMH’s clinical trials webpage.
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What Is Considered High
An individual with high-functioning schizophrenia is someone who can conceal their dysfunctional behaviors in public settings and maintain a positive public and professional profile while exposing their negative traits to the family behind closed doors.
A look into the ordinary life of a schizophrenic shows that there are days when all is well, but then sometimes an individual may have an entire active manifestation for about a week. There are certain triggers, such as stress, that may cause one to relapse again.
The infrequency of symptoms is what cause schizophrenics to be low functioning. The fear that they can hurt themselves, or walk into a busy street or even engage in public disorder is the everyday challenge.
What The Warning Signs Look Like
You may notice changes in yourself before your friends and family do. Once your loved ones do become aware, they might try to explain these changes as “just a phase” you’re going through or due to something stressful in your life. Because of that, many people don’t seek help until later on, when more severe symptoms start to emerge.
Signs that you may be in a prodrome include trouble with your memory or problems with paying attention and staying focused.
Mood swings and depression can happen. You may have anxiety and feel guilty about things or mistrust others. You could even have thoughts of suicide.
Another sign is lack of energy. You could have weight loss or no interest in meals. Sleep problems could crop up.
You might lose interest in things you once cared about and back away from socializing with family and friends. There could be a drop-off in your level of achievements at work or school.
Your friends may notice changes in how you look. You might not be keeping up with hygiene like you used to.
Some other things that you or others might become aware of:
- Hearing or seeing something that’s not there
- A strange way of writing or talking
- An angry, scared, or bizarre response to loved ones
- Extreme interest in religion or the occult
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How Can I Find Help
If youre not sure where to get help, your health care provider is a good place to start. Your health care provider can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating schizophrenia. You can learn more about getting help on NIMH’s Help for Mental Illness webpage.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, an online tool to help you find mental health services in your area. You can find information about treatment facilities that offer coordinated specialty care by using SAMHSAs Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator.
For tips on talking with your health care provider about your mental health and getting the most out of your visit, read NIMHs fact sheet,;Taking Control of Your Mental Health: Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider.
Its Easy To Live In Denial
Even though your loved one isnt functioning well, isnt meeting their own expectations in life, and is using alcohol or drugs to cope, they may not see theres a problem.
Because of the natural urge to protect those you love, families can stay in denial, as well.
Its often the college that sends a young adult to the hospital for the first time because of erratic behavior or an overdose.;The parents get involved only because the college requests their child be evaluated by a psychiatrist.
Families often dont seek help on their own, says Dr. Bowers.
They may continue to struggle try to understand their loved ones symptoms. Or ignore those symptoms until they escalate, sometimes into violent behavior.
But early, continuous treatment is critical, she stresses. Without help, a young adults problems will continue especially if they use drugs or alcohol.
If you find them up all hours of the night, or painting their room black, or too irritable without their meds, or scaring their little sister, call the doctor, she says. And encourage them to keep their appointments.
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Take Care Of Yourself Too
As a family member, its important to take care of yourself. Try to maintain your regular schedule and activities, such as your exercise routine and hobbies. Ask another family member or good friend to provide help with caregiving, especially in the early days of your loved one’s illness. If you need help balancing time for self-care with caregiving duties, check out the BC Schizophrenia Societys Family Respite Program.
Positive Signs Of Schizophrenia
In this case, the word positive does not mean much. Means additional inputs or functions that are not supported in the real world.
They Are Sometimes Called the Opposite Manifestation and Can Include:
- Day Dreams: These are false, mixed, and sometimes strange beliefs that are not based on the real world and that person will not give up, no matter where he is when he is shown current facts. For example, a person who is a fanatic may admit that people can hear their thoughts, that he is God or a deceiver, or that people put their heads in their heads or get rich.
- Dream Pipes: This includes counterfeit chemicals. Hearing voices is the most well-known myth in people with signs of schizophrenia. Voices can tell about a persons behavior, harass them, or give orders. Many unusual types include hallucinations, a strange smell, a pleasant taste in your mouth, and sensations in your skin even though nothing is affecting your body.
- Mental shock: In this case, the person may stop talking, and their body may be rehabilitated for some time.
Schizophrenia rotates frequently, so mitigation periods are ideal times to use self-improvement procedures to prevent the length and frequency of any future scenes. Without proper help, medication, and treatment, many people with signs of schizophrenia can cope with their symptoms, work more freely, and appreciate full, productive lives.
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What About Side Effects
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You may have side effects from some medications, so your healthcare provider may have you try several different medications before finding the one that works best
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So if a side effect is bothering you, tell your healthcare provider. They may want to change your medication
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Finding the right medication is important, and following your healthcare provider’s instructions can help you manage your schizophrenia
If Your Siblings Have It
- If your full sibling has schizophrenia: a risk of 9 in 100
- If your identical twin has schizophrenia: a risk of 40 to 50 in 100
- If your non-identical twin has schizophrenia: a risk of 17 in 100
These figures arent fixed. They vary across the world, and science peeps have called for more studies looking at schizophrenia risk in people of African and Latinx ancestry.
What else stirs the pot of schizophrenia?
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What Positive Schizophrenia Symptoms Are Like
These simply mean experiences that someone with schizophrenia has, such as hallucinations, delusions, unusual physical movements, and illogical thoughts. âThese are as real to the person with schizophrenia as it would be if someone came in the room and started talking to you,â Weinstein says.
Collins describes her hallucinations before she started treatment. âThe room would turn dark and people would distort and start looking demonic,â she recalls. âIf I looked in the mirror, my face would look demonic — I thought I was the ugliest person in the world.â Her vision and hearing started to change, making it extremely hard to make sense of the world. âIt was like an Alice in Wonderland,â Collins says. âEverything was getting bigger, smaller, louder, quieter; my ability to process information coming in through my senses started breaking down.â
Dickson says he never saw any visions but he sensed so much âstaticâ in his brain that he couldnât focus or concentrate. âItâs like watching a movie where itâs a war zone, and bombs are going off, and itâs utter chaos.â
Both Collins and Dickson describe living with constant noise in their head. âI heard a lot of clicks and bangs. I took it for granted that this was the world was like, and everyone else knew how to function in it, but I couldnât,â Collins says. She also recalls seeing a âshadow man,â a common hallucination.
Schizophrenia Symptoms And Causes
Schizophrenia has both positive and negative symptoms which are useful for a conclusive diagnosis. Positive symptoms;include hallucinations, delusions, and racing thoughts. Having negative symptoms meaning sufferers exhibit the following: emotional apathy, nonexistent social functioning, disorganized thoughts, high difficulty;concentrating, and disinterest with life.
Schizophrenia symptoms commonly occur between the ages of 15 and 30 but are not entire limited to this time frame. Despite not being well known, current statistics indicate that out of every 100 individuals 0ne has schizophrenia.
Common causes of schizophrenia are genetic especially in families that have a history of mental illness. Other causes may be congenital, viruses from the mother transmitted transplacentally and hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances.
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Symptoms Of Borderline Personality Disorder
Given the comorbidity between schizophrenia and BPD, it can be useful to understand the symptoms of BPD.
BPD includes a pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, marked impulsivity, beginning in early adulthood as indicated by at least five of the following symptoms:
- Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
- A pattern of unstable and intense relationships characterized by alternating extremes of idealization and devaluation
- Identity disturbance characterized by persistently unstable self-image or sense of self
- Impulsivity in at least two areas that are self-damaging: spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating)
- Affective instability due to reactivity of mood
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger
- Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms
During periods of extreme stress, paranoid ideation or dissociative symptoms can occur. While these symptoms are generally insufficient to require an additional diagnosis, they can parallel some active symptoms of schizophrenia.
What Is Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective Disorder is a condition that combines symptoms of Schizophrenia with those of depression or mania. Individuals with Schizoaffective Disorder can have hallucinations or delusions, coupled with a mood disorder. There are two types of Schizoaffective Disorder:
- Bipolar type – where the individual experiences symptoms of Schizophrenia along with mania, and potentially depression. ;;
- Depressive type – where a person has symptoms of Schizophrenia coupled with symptoms of depression.;
Schizoaffective Disorder differs from Schizophrenia in that the individual has to manage both mood swings and psychosis.;
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