Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is challenging to diagnose, as symptoms closely resemble other mental health conditions.

The first step in making a diagnosis is speaking up. If you’re concerned about a friend or loved one who shows symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder, have a conversation with that person. It can be difficult for someone who experiences a mental health condition to reach out for help on their own or know that they need help. Calmly share your concerns and offer support. It helps to surround yourself with people you know and trust so you can get the care you need.

A healthcare provider who specializes in mental health conditions like a psychologist or a psychiatrist will diagnose schizoaffective disorder.

Schizoaffective disorder test

There are no lab tests available to diagnose schizoaffective disorder. If you see a primary care physician first, they may offer tests to rule out medical conditions with similar symptoms before recommending you visit a mental health specialist.

How does a psychiatrist or psychologist diagnose schizoaffective disorder?

Mental health professionals use specially designed interview and assessment tools to diagnose mental health conditions like schizoaffective disorder. They’ll listen to you (or a loved one) describe your symptoms. They’ll also take note of your speech and behavior.

Providers determine if your symptoms and behaviors match a specific mental health condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The American Psychiatric Association DSM-5 is the reference book for mental health conditions.

The diagnostic criteria or the information that the DSM-5 describes for schizoaffective disorder include:

A period of uninterrupted mental health symptoms that affect your mood (mania or depression) and includes symptoms of schizophrenia (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behavior, etc.).
Hallucinations and delusions that last for at least two or more weeks without mood symptoms.
Symptoms that affect your mood are present during the majority of the time you experience symptoms.
No evidence of a substance use disorder or medications that may cause your symptoms.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

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.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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