Treatment for Schizoaffective Disorder
in Orange County, CA
Schizoaffective disorder is a rare chronic mental health disorder that includes symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorder symptoms. When untreated, this condition can lead to problems with relationships, family, school, and work — causing a cycle of loneliness and other troubles.
Because of the symptoms and troubles associated with schizoaffective disorder, it is crucial that someone with the condition get proper treatment from a professional specialist.
About Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a similar but separate diagnosis from schizophrenia. Those diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder exhibit the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as disorganized speech or hallucinations, while also displaying symptoms of bipolar or depressive disorders. Typically, there are periods of severe symptoms (that require constant monitoring), followed by a period of improvement.
Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder include:
- Depression: Feelings of worthlessness, sorrow, lack of interest in things one used to enjoy.
- Mania: Similar to bipolar disorders, manic episodes are marked by experiencing sensations of exhilaration and racing thoughts.
- Hallucinations: Perceiving things that aren’t really there.
- Delusions: False beliefs that cannot be dispelled.
- Disorderly Thoughts: Only partly answering questions or reacting to inquiries with unconnected replies.
- Dysfunction: Issues that affect work, school, and the community, as well as a lack of self-care, such as dental hygiene, brush hair, trimming nails, bathing, dressing.
Each person may actually experience schizoaffective disorder quite differently as not all symptoms are experienced equally. The disorder may even be categorized into two different types.
The two types of schizoaffective disorder include:
- Depressive Type Schizoaffective — which includes only major depressive episodes
- Bipolar Type Schizoaffective — which includes both major depressive episodes and manic episodes
To treat this condition effectively, it is important to understand where the patient falls under this spectrum of symptoms so that proper medication and psychotherapy can be applied.
Treating Schizoaffective Disorder
As mentioned above, getting a proper diagnosis is key to treating schizoaffective disorder. This can be quite difficult since there dual symptoms of both mood disorder and psychotic disorders.
Identifying the causes can be very difficult as the causes of this condition are not necessarily known and develop differently in different individuals. Though, genetics, brain chemistry, stress, and even certain drug use can contribute to schizoaffective disorder.
Treatment for schizoaffective disorder can be done effectively through:
- Medications — such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.
- Psychotherapy — such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family focused therapy.
- Self-Management strategies and education — such as vocational therapy and skill based therapies to help a person better cope in the real world.
How Centers Can Help
Many mental health treatment centers pride themselves on creating an optimal environment for individuals dealing with psychotic disorders like schizoaffective disorder. These centers boast specialized facilities and a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals overcome their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.
Collaboration between experienced psychiatrists and skilled therapy teams results in the development of comprehensive treatment plans that often integrate various approaches and modes of care.
Treatment typically occurs in residential living settings, where clients receive personalized care tailored to their specific needs. This support aids in their healing journey and equips them with coping skills to manage daily stressors. Treatment options commonly include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) alongside individual, group, and family therapy sessions.
Aftercare services provided by these centers assist clients in accessing community resources and setting rehabilitation goals. With support accessible around the clock, seven days a week, individuals receive continuous care to support their ongoing recovery process.
Get Treatment for Schizoaffective Disorder in Orange County, CA
If you or someone you care about may be facing schizoaffective disorder, consider reaching out to reputable mental health treatment centers in your area. Similar to many other mental health disorders, schizoaffective disorder manifests differently in each individual, underscoring the importance of an accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.
Many centers offer intake assessments to determine the suitability of treatment options. To explore available facilities and mental health services, don’t hesitate to contact them directly.
