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Schizoaffective Disorder vs Schizophrenia: What is the Difference?

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Schizoaffective Disorder vs Schizophrenia

Millions of people in the United States live with a mental health condition that affects their ability to function. Some conditions have similar symptoms, making proper diagnosis more challenging.

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are two mental health conditions with similar symptoms. This article will explore these conditions. You will learn:

  • The types and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder
  • The symptoms of schizophrenia
  • The differences between schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia
  • Where to find mental health treatment and support

If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, find effective treatment and support at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team with questions about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health disorder. It is rare, affecting about 0.3% of the population. People with schizoaffective disorder experience psychotic symptoms, including delusions (irrational beliefs) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there). This condition also involves mood disorder symptoms, including mania, hypomania, and depression.

There are two types of schizoaffective disorder.

Bipolar type

People with bipolar-type schizoaffective disorder have periods of major depression and mania or hypomania, similar to bipolar disorder.

Depressive type

People with depressive-type schizoaffective disorder experience only periods of depression.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the most common symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include:

  • Odd or erratic behaviors
  • Delusional thinking
  • Hallucinations
  • Poor self-care, including neglecting hygiene
  • Disorganized patterns of speech and thought
  • Major mood episodes that disrupt functioning
  • Symptoms of depression, such as low energy, hopelessness, low self-worth, etc.
  • Symptoms of mania, such as increased energy and a decreased need for sleep
  • Poor social skills

The symptoms of schizoaffective can vary from person to person and depend on what type of condition a person has.

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What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness characterized by psychotic symptoms. About 24 million people worldwide have schizophrenia, or 1 in every 300 people. People typically begin to develop schizophrenia symptoms between the ages of 16 and 30.

Schizophrenia’s symptoms can be very disruptive to a person’s daily functioning. The symptoms of schizophrenia can significantly impact the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

Mental health experts categorize schizophrenia symptoms as negative, cognitive, or psychotic. Here is an overview of the symptoms of schizophrenia by type.

Negative

People with schizophrenia may exhibit negative symptoms, including:

  • Loss of interest in daily activities, hobbies, and relationships
  • Increased isolation
  • Difficulty expressing emotions
  • Loss of motivation

People with schizophrenia may withdraw from daily activities like work, hobbies, and socialization. They may develop odd speaking patterns, such as talking in a monotone voice, speaking slowly, or using made-up words.

Cognitive

The cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia may impair functioning. They include:

  • Difficulty maintaining attention
  • Inability to use new information after learning it
  • Memory issues
  • Trouble focusing on a task
  • Difficulty processing information
  • Impaired decision-making ability

Schizophrenia can impair a person’s ability to learn or remember new information. People may find it challenging to have conversations or follow directions. These cognitive challenges can make many aspects of daily life more difficult.

Psychotic

The psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia include:

  • Delusions: Believing things that are illogical or untrue.
  • Hallucinations: Sensing things that are not real. Hearing voices is one of the most common hallucinations associated with schizophrenia.
  • Thought disorders: Having disordered thoughts or speech, using made-up words, or having difficulty organizing speech or thinking

Psychotic symptoms can be disruptive to a person’s functioning. Hallucinations and delusions may be distressing to the person with schizophrenia and those around them.

People with schizophrenia may experience symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition long before their first psychotic episode. Friends, family, and others may notice these changes before their loved one has their first psychotic episode.

What is the Difference Between Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia?

There are several crucial differences between schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. It is critical to receive an accurate diagnosis. This requires a thorough assessment by a licensed mental health professional.

Here are some of the most significant differences between schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia.

Symptoms

People with schizophrenia have psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions. A diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder requires someone to exhibit psychotic symptoms and symptoms of a mood disorder.

Duration

A medical or mental health professional may diagnose schizoaffective disorder as soon as symptoms develop. Someone must experience symptoms of schizophrenia for at least six months before receiving a diagnosis.

Treatment

People with schizophrenia typically take antipsychotic drugs to manage hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms. A person with schizoaffective disorder must receive treatment for psychotic symptoms and mood disorder symptoms. This may include mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications.

Managing the symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder can be challenging. People with these and other mental health conditions require comprehensive treatment and compassionate, ongoing support.

Find Mental Health Treatment Now

If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition, you are not alone. Find holistic treatment programs and support at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake staff today to learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment.

Reference:

  1. World Health Organization (WHO): Schizophrenia
  2. JAMA Network: Schizophrenia—An Overview
  3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Schizoaffective Disorder
  4. Science Direct: Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? A 50-year assessment of diagnostic stability based on a national case registry

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Sahil Talwar, PA-C, MBA

Sahil Talwar is a physician assistant with over 7 years of experience in emergency, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. He is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. He graduated from South College with his Master’s in Physician Assistant studies in 2015. Sahil has utilized his experience by treating patients in both civilian and military settings. He is a Captain in the Army Reserves and has 15 years of military service. He is the owner of Carolina Psychiatry and Addiction Services.

Sahil specializes in medication assisted treatment. His focus is on helping people who suffer from multiple issues, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD.

Sahil enjoys taking time and listening to better understand what his patients are experiencing. He believes that empathy, respect and trust are integral traits that all providers must possess. He believes in the value of hard work and dedication to overcoming mental illness and will help his patients to achieve their mental health goals.