Schizoaffective disorder

Treatment

Treatment can vary. Generally, the health care provider will prescribe medications to stabilize mood and to treat psychosis. Neuroleptic medications (antipsychotics) are used to treat psychotic symptoms.

Lithium may be used to manage mania and stabilize mood. Anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid and carbamazepine are effective mood stabilizers. These medications may take up to 3 weeks to relieve symptoms.

Usually the combination of antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medication controls both depressive and manic symptoms, but some people may also need antidepressants.

Outlook (Prognosis)

People with schizoaffective disorder have a greater chance of going back to their previous level of function than do people with other psychotic disorders. However, long-term treatment is necessary and results can vary from person to person.

Possible Complications

Complications are similar to those for schizophrenia and major mood disorders. These include:

• Abuse of drugs in an attempt to self-medicate
• Problems following medical treatment and therapy
• Problems due to manic behavior (for example, spending sprees, overly sexual behavior)
• Suicidal behavior

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care or mental health provider if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following:

• Feelings and thoughts of suicide
• Inability to care for basic personal needs
• Increase in energy and involvement in risky behavior that is sudden and not normal for you (for instance, going days without sleeping and feeling no need for sleep)
• Periods of depression with feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• Strange or unusual thoughts or perceptions
• Symptoms getting worse or not improving with treatment

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:126-127.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 48.

Addington D, Bouchard RH, Goldberg J, Honer B, Malla A, Norman R, Tempier R. Clinical practice guidelines: treatment of schizophrenia. Can J Psychiatry, 2005;50:7s-57s.

International early psychosis association writing group. International clinical practice guidelines for early psychosis. Br J Psychiatry, 2005;187:s120-s124.