A Difference In Treatment Styles
Why is it so important to know the differences between schizoaffective disorder vs schizophrenia? One reason is that both disorders require different approaches to treatment. Treating people for one condition when they suffer from the other does little to help.
For schizophrenia, most treatment revolves around antipsychotic medications, such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol. Schizoaffective disorder treatment also relies on antipsychotics, but the most common one that doctors prescribe is Paliperidone. In fact, its the only FDA-approved drug for this disorder.
With that said, there are some similarities in treatment as well. For example, attending therapy while taking appropriate medication is essential. Therapy can help people work through other issues that accompany these disorders. However, it isnt enough on its own, so they still have to take medication.
Linkage Findings In Schizophrenia
Several studies of schizophrenia pedigrees have found evidence for linkage at genome-wide significant level . Nevertheless, until recently, the results had, perhaps, seemed disappointing, with most positive studies falling short of genome-wide significance, and failures to replicate even the most interesting loci being the rule rather than the exception. This is probably attributable to a combination of small genetic effects and inadequate sample sizes. However, as the data from more than 20 genome-wide studies have accumulated and sample sizes increased, some consistent patterns have emerged.
Figure 1
Chromosome ideograms showing locations of genome-wide significant linkages in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Asterisks mark the locations of chromosomal abnormalities associated with schizophrena.
How Does Psychotherapy Treat Schizoaffective Disorder
During therapy, the person talks to a trained mental health professional. The goal of psychotherapy is for the person to:
- Learn about the illness.
- Establish goals.
- Manage everyday problems related to the disorder.
Family therapy can also help. A therapist can help families learn how to cope with the illness and support their loved one. Family therapy helps improve symptoms and quality of life for the person with the disorder.
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Frequency And Ages Affected
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.2 percent of people in the United States. Typically, it first appears between the late teen years and early adulthood. Children can also show signs of bipolar disorder.
Schizophrenia isnt as common as bipolar disorder. It affects 1.1 percent of the U.S. population. People usually learn they have it between the ages of 16 and 30. Schizophrenia isnt usually seen in children.
Closer Attention To The Phenotype: Clinical Covariates And Sub
As discussed elsewhere bipolar disorder researchers have been taking an interest in a variety of clinical sub-types and covariates over recent years as a way of testing subsets of cases with increased clinical homogeneity. Examples include rapid cycling , lithium responsiveness, bipolar affective puerperal psychosis , early age at onset, and occurrence of psychotic features during illness.
Consideration of the occurrence of psychotic features in bipolar disorder brings us to consider the interesting and biologically important issue of the overlap in genetic findings in bipolar and schizophrenia.
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How Are Bipolar And Schizophrenia Related
Although bipolar and schizophrenia are still, for the most part, thought to be two distinct psychiatric diseases, they are related in many ways. Both diseases usually develop in late adolescence or early adulthood. The genetic causal factors have been found to be highly similar in the two brain diseases both disorders often appear in the same families. Some people are diagnosed with symptoms of both diseases. Schizophrenia and bipolar, or manic-depressive, disorder also share common symptoms and treatments.
Some medications prescribed for both bipolar and schizophrenia lower levels of protein kinase C in the brain. High levels of this brain protein are thought to increase the severity of symptoms related to both diseases such as hearing or seeing things that aren’t there, having racing thoughts and experiencing grandiose, or false beliefs, relating to one’s personal power. In what is called the dysphoric mood in schizophrenia, schizophrenics often experience severe irritability, anxiety and depression similar to what bipolars, or manic-depressives, tend to have in their depressive periods. If not treated, both bipolars and schizophrenics are extremely likely to abuse drugs or alcohol as a way of “self medicating.”
Rose Hill Center Can Help You Overcome Both Disorders
While theres clearly a difference between these two disorders, it doesnt have to change where you get help. At Rose Hill Center, we understand the differences between the two. For that reason, we offer different treatment options at one location.
At Rose Hill Center, we strive to offer a variety of treatment services for mental health problems. A few of these include:
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Diagnosing Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder
There is no standard blood test for either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder however, a physician could conduct a psychological and physical exam. They may want to run a full blood test, and they may want to send you in for a CT scan or MRI to be sure no other conditions are in play. You will likely be asked about any family history of mental disorders and about any symptoms you are experiencing.
It is crucial to be completely honest with your doctor about any symptoms, even if you think they are not worth mentioning or are nervous to mention them. It is also vital to be truthful about any substance use you may be engaging in, as any medication the physician may prescribe could not mix well with other drugs and alcohol. Your doctor may request you undergo a substance use screening to be sure.
You might have to return a few times to your doctor before a diagnosis is made, and you might even be referred to a doctor that specializes in mental health conditions, as most HMOs require referrals to specialists. A doctor may ask you to maintain a journal of your moods, sleep patterns, and record any symptoms you are experiencing. This will help the doctor determine any patterns that can help them make the correct diagnosis.
Does Someone With Schizoaffective Disorder Need To Be Hospitalized
Most people with this disorder can get outpatient treatment. They go to a clinic or hospital for treatment during the day and then return home. Sometimes, people have severe symptoms, though, or theyre in danger of harming themselves or others. They may need to be hospitalized to stabilize their condition.
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What Are Causes And Risk Factors For Bipolar Disorder And Schizophrenia
Like most mental disorders, neither bipolar disorder nor schizophrenia is directly passed down genetically. Rather, each is the result of a complex group of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. These two illnesses share a number of the same risk genes but also have some unique genetic risk factors. Stress has been found to be a significant contributor to the development of most mental health conditions, including both of these disorders.
What Is The Difference Between Schizoaffective Disorder And Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder have a significant overlap in symptoms. But schizoaffective disorder also involves symptoms of mood disorders like major depression or bipolar disorder, which makes it a more complicated condition to diagnose and treat. Both conditions are manageable, and no one who is diagnosed with either should be prevented from living a normal life over the long-term.
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What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you or a loved one has schizoaffective disorder, ask your provider:
- What medication will help?
- What other therapy can help?
- Will this disorder ever go away?
- How long will treatment continue?
- Is there a higher risk for other conditions or disorders?
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. Its important to get treatment as soon as possible. If you notice symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, talk to a healthcare provider. Treatment for schizoaffective disorder includes medication and therapy. While theres no cure for this disorder, treatment helps improve peoples symptoms and quality of life.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/24/2021.
References
How Should I Take Care Of Myself When It Comes To Schizoaffective Disorder
Perhaps youve noticed signs of schizoaffective disorder in yourself or a loved one. Those symptoms may include prolonged hallucinations, delusions, depression or manic episodes. The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider. Getting diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible helps improve symptoms and promote a good quality of life. Be sure to follow your providers treatment instructions:
- Attend therapy sessions, including individual and family therapy.
- Stay in contact with your provider, who can help manage and adjust your treatments as necessary.
- Take medications as directed. Talk to your provider to help manage side effects from the medications.
- Treat substance use disorders, if necessary.
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Treatment Options For Schizoaffective Disorder
A multi-faceted treatment program is generally recommended for schizoaffective disorder, including:
- medications antipsychotic medications are usually given first. Antidepressant or mood stabilising medications are used once the psychotic symptoms are under control. Sometimes antipsychotic medications and antidepressants are used at the same time. Anticonvulsant medication can also help treat mood disorder symptoms
- electroconvulsive therapy is used to treat depression by inducing controlled seizures via small electrodes placed at specific locations on the head
- psychological therapy which usually includes learning practical strategies to help avoid or identify future episodes
- psychosocial counselling to help the person avoid the common pitfalls of mental illness such as unemployment, poverty and loneliness
- support from family and friends understanding and support from loved ones is very important. Family and friends are advised to learn as much as they can about schizoaffective disorder to help the affected person and themselves. Support groups and counselling services are available for relatives and friends of people with mental illness.
Differences Between Bipolar Disorder And Schizophrenia
Psychosis, which includes hallucinations and delusions, is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia. People with bipolar I disorder can have psychotic symptoms during mania and/or depression, and those with bipolar II can have them during an episode of depression. So while bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can share a set of serious symptoms, when distinguishing between the two disorders, doctors look at the differences between symptoms and also give different weight to some of the shared symptoms.
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Whats The Difference Between Psychosis And Schizophrenia
Psychosis is a syndrome or group of symptoms. Someone experiencing an episode of psychosis is having a break with reality. Major symptoms of psychosis are hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are sensations that are not real, such as hearing voices or sounds that arent real. Hearing voices is a common hallucination, but hallucinations can be experiences with any sensehearing, sight, smell, taste, or touch. Delusions are strong beliefs that cant possibly be true. Common delusions include the belief that someone is following or monitoring you, or the belief that you have extraordinary powers or abilities. Other symptoms of psychosis include difficulties concentrating, completing tasks, or making decisions. Thoughts may feel jumbled or confused. Some people have a hard time following conversations or speaking clearly. Psychosis can even affect the way people move or express their emotions.
Psychosis and schizophrenia are treatable. Its important to seek help as soon as possible.
Where can I learn more?
What Is Bipolar Disorder And Its Symptoms
First, it is essential to know there are different types of bipolar disorders. These may include symptoms like mania, hypomania, and depression. The symptoms can produce unpredictable changes in mood and behavior, which results in extreme distress and difficulty in life. Below are the different bipolar types and some of their symptoms.
Bipolar I disorder: The individual may have had at least one manic episode that might have preceded or was followed by a major depressive episode or being hypomanic. There may have been a break in reality.
Bipolar II disorder: The individual had at least one major depressive episode and one hypomanic episode but has never had a manic episode. The difference between these two is that hypomania is a milder form of mania where the energy level is higher than normal but not as extreme as in mania.
Cyclothymic disorder: The individual has had at least two years, one year as a child and one as a teenager, of having hypomania symptoms and depressive symptoms, though the depressive symptoms are less severe than major depression.
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What Is Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type
Medically Reviewed By: Audrey Kelly, LMFT
Schizoaffective disorder is one of the least understood and lesser-known types of mental illness. Many people assume that schizoaffective disorder is the same thing as schizophrenia. However, this is not the case. While schizoaffective disorder does have similarities to schizophrenia, it is a completely different diagnosis.
Schizoaffective disorder is a combination of schizophrenic and mood disorder symptoms. The combination of the two types of symptoms means that this disorder is often misdiagnosed. Patients may be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder. However, ongoing care and careful observation of symptoms can lead to the correct diagnosis.
- What Is Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type
Schizoaffective disorder bipolar type is characterized by some symptoms of schizophrenia and some symptoms of bipolar disorder. With schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, the patient will have some of the symptoms of schizophrenia-like delusions and paranoia, while also having periods of mania. It is extremely difficult to diagnose, because not all symptoms may be present at the same time when the patient seeks help.
- Differences Between Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type and Other Disorders
- Other Schizoaffective Disorder Types
- Diagnosis Of Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type
- Prevalence Of Schizoaffective Disorder
- Causes Of Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type
Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type
Are Bipolar Disorder And Schizophrenia Neuroanatomically Distinct An Anatomical Likelihood Meta
- 1Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- 2Centre for Reproduction Development and Growth, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- 3State Key Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Bipolar And Schizophrenia Similarities
Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are both episodic in nature, meaning that some of the time a person is symptom-free while other times they are in a symptomatic episode. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder also both impact everyday functioning, relationships, work, and home life however, they may do so in different ways.
Other ways in which bipolar and schizophrenia are similar includes:
- Symptoms starting between age 16-30
- Can both experience the symptoms of psychosis
- Can both experience the symptoms of depression
- May be treated with the same medication
- Can be successfully treated
- Associated with drug and alcohol abuse
- Neither is a “split personality”
More on schizophrenia diagnosis criteria here.
Getting Help For Bipolar Schizoaffective Disorder
Anyone who recognizes any of these symptoms in themselves, or who is troubled by their thoughts and behaviors, or worried about hearing and seeing things that other people dont hear or see, should seek help right away. Telling a friend or a family member is a good place to start, but seeing a doctor or mental health professional is the next important step. Even just seeing ones general practitioner is a great step, because that doctor can recommend a specialist or what to do next.
Friends and family play an important role in getting help for someone who is struggling. It is common to be unaware of ones own symptoms, and it is often easier for someone else to recognize them first. It is crucial to offer help or to get someone help who is exhibiting symptoms of a mental illness or whose behaviors just dont seem right and have changed from what is normal.
Schizoaffective disorder bipolar type is not an illness to be taken lightly. Without diagnosis and treatment, there are many potential complications that can cause myriad problems and even be life-threatening. Professional diagnosis, multi-faceted treatment, and support from friends and family are crucial for helping someone with this condition return to a better way of life, with relief from difficult symptoms.
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Symptoms Of Schizoaffective Bipolar Type
In terms of schizoaffective disorder vs. schizophrenia, the difference lies in the mood disorder symptoms. Someone diagnosed with schizophrenia will only experience the aforementioned symptoms of this mental illness. But, someone diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder experiences those symptoms as well as symptoms of a mood disorder, depression or bipolar disorder. Symptoms of bipolar disorder include:
- Mania or manic episodes. During a manic period a person has an extreme amount of energy and feels exaggerated self-confidence and an ability to keep going without much sleep. The high that someone experiences during mania is not normal and goes to the extreme, often resulting in irritability, anger, aggression, risky behaviors, and even suicide in some cases.
- Depressive episodes. In a depressive episode the symptoms are the same as major depression: hopelessness, sadness, guilt, shame, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, weight loss or weight gain, lack of energy, loss of interest in activities, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or attempts at suicide.
Someone diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder depressive type will only experience the symptoms of major depression along with schizophrenic symptoms. He or she does not experience manic episodes or symptoms of mania.