schizoaffective disorder vs schizophrenia: Schizoaffective disorder vs Schizophrenia

A mental health condition known as schizoaffective disorder causes mood and psychotic symptoms to coexist. Schizoaffective is made up of two parts: affective, which relates to mood problems, and schizo, which refers to psychotic symptoms.

According to researchers, bipolar illness and schizophrenia are on opposite ends of the scale, with schizoaffective disorder in the middle. That'ss due to the numerous identical symptoms both illnesses have. However, schizoaffective is now recognized as a distinct diagnosis. Though they might appear at any age, symptoms typically appear in young adults.

Schizoaffective disorder: What is it?

Schizoaffective disorder is difficult to diagnose and can also warrant complex treatment. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

This disorder is characterized by a confluence of schizophrenia symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and mood disorder symptoms like depression or mania.

There are two major types of schizoaffective disorder. Bipolar types, which include episodes of mania and occasionally major depression, and depressive types, which include solely major depressive episodes. Both include some signs of schizophrenia. Each person with schizoaffective disorder may experience the symptoms in a different way.

It can make people feel lonely and make it difficult to maintain a job or go to school. It can also cause difficulty functioning at work, school and in social interactions. Individuals with this disorder may require help and support just to get by daily. Treatment can aid with symptom management and quality of life enhancement.

Schizoaffective disorder vs schizophrenia

Understanding the differences can be very crucial to the treatment process. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

Even for experts, it might be challenging to distinguish between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

In fact, some professionals and researchers think that schizoaffective illness is either a subtype of bipolar disorder or depression, a form of schizophrenia, or both. Schizophrenia symptoms coexist with those of bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder in a person with schizoaffective illness.

The following are some possible distinctions between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder:

People with schizophrenia experience psychotic symptoms more frequently, severely and persistently than people with schizoaffective illness
Compared to those with schizoaffective illness, those with schizophrenia frequently have less awareness of and insight into their symptoms
The prevalence of schizoaffective is thought to be three times lower than that of schizophrenia
One of the most frequently misunderstood mental illnesses is schizoaffective, which is more difficult to diagnose than schizophrenia
Symptoms of bipolar disorder & schizophrenia, or depression & schizophrenia, are present in schizoaffective
The key to distinguishing between schizophrenia and schizoaffective illness is knowing manic and depressive symptoms.

How is schizoaffective disorder & schizophrenia treated?

A mental health professional will first help you in understanding the differences. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

These disorders are often treated with medication and counseling. This combination method attempts to make it easier for you to live a life free from the effects of either disorder's symptoms.

1) Psychiatric medication

Antipsychotic drugs are frequently prescribed to people with schizoaffective illness in addition to SSRI antidepressants or mood stabilizers.

Antipsychotic drugs may be sufficient to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia in certain patients. Medication is usually always a part of the suggested treatment for psychosis, as it's thought that the condition has a significant neurochemical connection.

2) Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy of all kinds can help people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective illness. These can consist of three fundamental forms of therapy, each with a distinct objective:

a) Psychoeducation

Further details regarding either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disease are discussed here. The natural progression of the illnesses and how you might take a more active role in your therapy are typically covered, among other things.

b) Group Therapy

While it can be scary, when we come to know about others experience, it helps in the process. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

You can associate with others in a setting that enables you to discuss your symptoms and experiences during group therapy.

This kind of therapy frequently includes family members too. It may give you a more complete understanding of the condition and how it might be affecting the people you care about.

3) Individual therapy

It frequently incorporates individual cognitive behavioral therapy. The goal of this sort of therapy is to provide you with useful tips that will make dealing with either disease simpler. However, CBT may not be enough to deal with either of these disorders and may require an integrated approach by the therapist.

Living with either of these mental health conditions can be difficult. Even isolated psychotic episodes can require a trip to the hospital. Extreme mood swings can make life emotionally difficult and even painful if they occur.

The primary distinction between schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia is that the former is defined by psychotic symptoms, while the latter is characterized by both mood and psychotic symptoms. Although neither illness is curable, its symptoms can be controlled by a combination of medicine, treatment, and social or familial support.

Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.

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