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Schizoaffective disorder
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Schizoaffective disorder
Symptoms: The clinical signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include all the signs and symptoms of psychotic and mood disorders, appearing together or in alternating fashion. The course feature cycles of worsening and improvement, or long-term deterioration. The symptoms of schizoaffective disorder vary greatly from person to person. Symptoms of clinical depression and mania include: Elevated, inflated, or depressed mood Irritability and poor temper control Symptoms that could be seen during a manic or depressed state (changes in appetite, energy, sleep) Psychotic symptoms that persist for at least 2 weeks without significant mood symptoms: Hallucinations (particularly auditory hallucinations, "hearing voices") Delusions of reference (for example, believing that someone on TV or the radio is speaking directly to you or that secret messages are hidden in common objects) Paranoia (a feeling that everyone or a particular person or agency is out to get you) Deteriorating concern with hygiene, grooming Disorganized and illogical speech Signs and tests: Psychiatric evaluation for identification of symptoms History of current behavior and symptoms The combination of psychotic and mood symptoms in schizoaffective disorder can be seen in other illnesses, such as bipolar disorder. The extreme disturbance in mood is an important part of the illness. Text Continues Below However, the psychotic symptoms in schizoaffective disorder do not necessarily resolve with effective treatment of the mood disorder. Such symptoms usually do resolve in the treatment of mood disorders with psychotic features. Also, psychotic symptoms usually continue for at least 2 weeks with normal mood. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>