Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health problem where you experience psychosis as well as mood symptoms.
The word schizoaffective has two parts:
- 'Schizo–' refers to symptoms of psychosis
- '–affective' refers to mood symptoms.
Some people have suggested that schizoaffective disorder sits in the middle of a spectrum, with schizophrenia at one end and bipolar disorder at the other. This is because these diagnoses share many similar symptoms. But schizoaffective disorder is recognised as a separate diagnosis.
You might have times when you struggle to look after yourself. Or when your doctors feel that you lack insight into your behaviour and how you're feeling.
Symptoms can begin at any age, but usually start when you’re a young adult. Some people only experience symptoms of schizoaffective disorder once in their life.
What are the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder?
Symptoms of psychosis
These symptoms are similar to those experienced in schizophrenia. They include:
- Hallucinations – where you experience things that others around you don't. Like hearing voices, seeing visual hallucinations and other unexplained sensations.
- Delusions – where you might hold strong beliefs that nobody else shares. For example, a fear that everyone can hear your thoughts. Or believing that you can control the weather.
You can find out more about hallucinations and delusions in our information about psychosis.
You may also experience:
- Your thoughts becoming very disorientated
- Feeling confused or frightened
- Feeling disconnected from your emotions
- Difficulty concentrating
- A lack of motivation or interest in things.
These feelings can be managed with the right combination of treatment, support and self-care.
Mood symptoms
The mood symptoms of schizoaffective disorder are similar to bipolar disorder.
They can include both:
- Manic symptoms - you may feel extremely excited or irritated. Or make unrealistic plans and behave in ways that might put you at risk.
- Depressive symptoms - you may feel sad and low or have sleep problems. You may also feel disconnected from others. Some people may have suicidal feelings.
The periods of time where you have mood symptoms are sometimes called 'episodes'. You may have depressive episodes, manic episodes, or both.
You may also get symptoms of mania and depression at the same time or very quickly after each other. This is called a 'mixed episode'.
Episodes can vary in length. Some people have repeated episodes. But this doesn’t happen for everybody.
Schizoaffective disorder and stigma
Some people may not understand or have heard of schizoaffective disorder. They may have misconceptions about you, or a negative or inaccurate image of schizoaffective disorder.
This can feel very upsetting. Especially if the person who thinks this way is a friend, colleague, family member or healthcare professional.
Schizoaffective disorder is less well known than some other mental health problems. This may make it harder to find information and support, or to connect with others who have similar experiences. This may feel frustrating and lonely at times.
You might want to think about the following options:
- Show people this information. It might help them understand what your diagnosis means. If you are supporting someone else, you can find out more about how to Show Up for someone with a mental illness.
- Get more involved in your treatment. You can make your voice heard. You can also take steps if you’re not happy with your care.
- Know your rights. The law can help you in certain situations. For more information, see our pages on rights.
Find out more about mental health stigma and discrimination.
© Mind. This webpage has been adapted by SAMH from an original publication produced by Mind and published at www.mind.org.uk.
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