Q:
What is schizoaffective disorder?
A:
Schizoaffective disorder is a condition that includes aspects of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder.
What are the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder?
The symptoms may vary greatly from person to person. But the most common ones may include:
Depression
- Poor appetite
- Great weight change
- Sleeping very little or a lot
- Being very restless
- Lack of energy
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Guilt or self-blame
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Mania
- Being more active than usual, including at work, in your social life, or sexually
- Talking more or faster
- Rapid or racing thoughts
- Little need for sleep
- Agitation
- Being easily distracted
- Self-destructive or dangerous behavior
Schizophrenia
- Delusions (strange beliefs that the person refuses to give up, even when they get the facts)
- Hallucinations (sensing things that aren’t real, such as hearing voices)
- Disorganized thinking
- Odd or unusual behavior
- Slow movements or not moving at all
- Lack of emotion in facial expression and speech
- Poor motivation
- Problems with speech and communication
What are the causes?
In fact, scientists don’t know the exact cause of the condition. But here are some factors that may increase the risk of getting it.
- Genetics
- Brain structure and function
- Environment: such as a viral infection, bad relations, or very stressful situations
Schizoffective disorder can affect both your physical health and mental development. So once you find those symptoms above, seek for help as soon as possible. Because early treatment can ease you the trouble that you may have in the future days.
Keywords: schizoaffective disorder
