Men and women with schizoaffective disorder exhibit signs of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Some individuals have bipolar schizoaffective disorder, and others struggle with depressive schizoaffective disorder. If the individual doesn’t seek treatment, they may have problems in their daily lives and need help with everyday tasks. A person must know the symptoms of this condition to seek help when signs of this disorder appear.
However, schizoaffective disorder symptoms vary by the individual. The development and course of the disorder also differ by person. To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a person must have a major mood episode along with two weeks or more of psychotic symptoms when they are not in the midst of a major mood episode. What are some signs to look for?
Delusions: Many people with schizoaffective disorder have false beliefs. They cannot change these beliefs even when they are proven wrong. Paranoid delusions, delusions of control, and delusions of reference are common in these men and women.
Hallucinations: A person with this disorder may see or hear things others cannot. They might feel or smell things that the people around them say aren’t present.
Communication: Individuals diagnosed with this disorder may struggle to communicate with others and be incoherent when speaking. They often move between topics rapidly or stop talking mid-sentence. Some people with this disorder make up new words.
Bizarre Behavior: Ritualistic behaviors may be seen in a person with schizoaffective disorder, much like those behaviors seen in people who have OCD. The difference is that the person with schizoaffective disorder doesn’t see these behaviors as odd, while the person with OCD understands they are.
Signs of Depression: This disorder may be mistaken for depression because it is a component of schizoaffective disorder for many people. The individual feels empty, sad, or worthless. They may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, or they might sleep all the time.
Manic Episodes: Manic episodes are accompanied by bursts of energy. The person may not need to sleep for extended periods, and they behave in unusual ways. Racing thoughts, irritability, and an expansive mood are other signs of mania.
Impaired Functioning: The individual may struggle to function at work, home, or school and find it challenging to interact with others because they cannot relate to them.
Personal Care Issues: The first thing others might notice regarding signs of schizoaffective disorder is a change in the person’s physical appearance. They may stop taking showers or washing their hair, their clothes could be dirty, or they may suddenly become less concerned about their overall appearance.
Catatonic Episodes: Catatonic episodes occur when a person doesn’t react to anything in their environment. They may become mute, and stupor and negativism might be seen.
Negative Symptoms: Negative symptoms are common in individuals with schizoaffective disorder. They may have blunted affect or appear apathetic when they aren’t. Often, they cannot pay attention even when they try.
If you see any signs of schizoaffective disorder, make an appointment with a medical doctor right away. Encourage the individual to keep this appointment because help is available. Doctors can treat those who seek help. If the person cannot care for themselves or is having suicidal thoughts, it is a medical emergency. Take them to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Professionals can help these men and women get the help they need.
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