Difference Between Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

In schizophrenia, mood symptoms are not expected to occur without psychotic symptoms. The psychotic symptoms are almost always present, but the mood symptoms come and go. In schizoaffective disorder, the psychotic symptoms may or may not be present during the times when a person is experiencing depression or mania.

1. What is the difference between schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder?
2. Is schizoaffective a type of schizophrenia?
3. What triggers schizoaffective disorder?
4. What does schizoaffective disorder look like?
5. Can you live a normal life with schizoaffective disorder?
6. Does schizoaffective go away?
7. What is the best treatment for schizoaffective disorder?
8. Does schizoaffective disorder qualify for disability?
9. How do you deal with a schizoaffective person?
10. At what age does schizoaffective disorder develop?
11. What is the prognosis for schizoaffective disorder?
12. How rare is schizoaffective disorder?

What is the difference between schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder?

Schizophreniform disorder, like schizophrenia, is a psychotic disorder that affects how you act, think, relate to others, express emotions and perceive reality. Unlike schizophrenia, it lasts one to six months instead of the rest of your life.

Is schizoaffective a type of schizophrenia?

A: Schizoaffective disorder is actually one of the four main types of schizophrenia. It is a mood disorder as well as a thought disorder.

What triggers schizoaffective disorder?

Risk factors

Having a close blood relative — such as a parent or sibling — who has schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Stressful events that may trigger symptoms. Taking mind-altering drugs, which may worsen symptoms when an underlying disorder is present.

What does schizoaffective disorder look like?

Schizoaffective disorder has the features of schizophrenia, like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, along with those of a mood disorder, like mania and depression. At first, it's often misdiagnosed as one of the two.

Can you live a normal life with schizoaffective disorder?

With schizoaffective disorder, as with other major psychiatric illnesses, individuals can work to achieve their goals and live very full lives.

Does schizoaffective go away?

Schizoaffective disorder will not go away on its own, but the prognosis is much better than other psychotic disorders. The treatment options are effective at minimizing the symptoms someone will experience.

What is the best treatment for schizoaffective disorder?

The only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder is the antipsychotic drug paliperidone (Invega). However, doctors may prescribe other antipsychotic drugs to help manage psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.

Does schizoaffective disorder qualify for disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes the barriers to employment schizoaffective disorder presents, and the condition can qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

How do you deal with a schizoaffective person?

Dealing with Schizoaffective Disorder in a Family Environment

1. Carefully Monitor Medication. The multifaceted nature of schizoaffective disorder means there are no specific medications for it. ...
2. Encourage a Stable Diet. ...
3. Maintain a Relationship with Their Therapist.

At what age does schizoaffective disorder develop?

Schizoaffective disorder usually begins in the late teen years or early adulthood, often between the ages of 16 and 30.

What is the prognosis for schizoaffective disorder?

The prognosis of schizoaffective disorder can be challenging. Some studies indicate that about 47% of people with this illness or schizophrenia are in remission after five years, and about one-quarter of individuals have appropriate social functioning for two years or more.

How rare is schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective is relatively rare, with a lifetime prevalence of only 0.3%. Men and women experience schizoaffective disorder at the same rate, but men often develop the illness at an earlier age.