Overview
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that includes symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders. Schizophrenia affects the way you think, act, perceive reality and express emotions. Mood disorders change your feelings, energy levels and behaviors.
There’s no cure for schizoaffective disorder, but treatment can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What are the types of schizoaffective disorder?
There are two types of schizoaffective disorder, and they’re based on what mood disorder symptoms you experience:
- Bipolar type: You have several days of extreme highs (mania), and you can have severe lows (depression). You may have an episode of increased energy with irritability followed by a period of low energy with sadness.
- Depressive type: You only experience lows (depression). Your mood is depressed, and you may have a hard time completing your daily routine. You may experience feelings of hopelessness.
How common is schizoaffective disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is rare. One study in Finland estimated that 3 in every 1,000 people (0.3%) will develop schizoaffective disorder in their lifetime. It’s difficult to know exactly how many people have this condition because it’s challenging to diagnose. The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder overlap with other mental health conditions. A misdiagnosis is possible but less likely.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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