WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Schizoaffective disorder is a hybrid form of mental
illness that combines the problems of schizophrenia with those
of a mood disorder. As with schizophrenia, victims lose touch
with reality. However, schizoaffective disorder is more likely
to wax and wane, much as depression and mania tend to run in
cycles. The condition affects more women than
men.
Causes
An imbalance in the brain's chemical messengers is the
most likely culprit, but its exact nature---and the reason for
it---are still unclear. Stress alone will not trigger this
illness, though it can make the symptoms worse. The problem is
more likely to develop if you have a family member with a mood
disorder.
Signs/Symptoms
The disorder usually comes on gradually. One of the most
telling signs is a tendency for the victim's emotional
reactions to be out of synch with the situation---or lacking
entirely. Other symptoms include:
-
Changes in eating or sleeping
habits, energy level, or weight
-
Confusion
-
Inability to make
decisions
-
Hallucinations
-
Delusions
-
Ideas that do not connect or
make sense
-
A preference for
solitude
-
Loss of interest in normal
activities such as work or school
-
Neglect of personal
hygiene
-
Repetitive
actions
-
Long periods of
immobility
-
Strange
statements
-
Thoughts of harming oneself
or others
Care
Medications for schizophrenia and mood disorders are
quite different, so the doctor will need to make a careful
evaluation before deciding on a prescription. He may begin with
an antidepressant medication, then move on to an antipsychotic
drug if the first drug doesn't bring improvement. Severe
attacks may require hospitalization.
Risks
Like schizophrenia, this disorder will not clear up on
its own---and it could lead to suicide or an attempt on someone
else's life. It's essential :mb to seek :mx treatment---which
is usually highly :mb effective. :mx
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
Treatment for an acute attack can require full-time
hospitalization in a locked inpatient unit. As symptoms
subside, you may be transferred to a partial care program in
which you are able to return home after each day's therapy.
Inpatients may wear their own clothes, but are customarily
searched for sharp objects such as scissors or nail files,
which are held in a staff office. Patients who present a danger
outside the hospital can be involuntarily hospitalized for up
to 3 days by the police or a doctor. While hospitalized, you
may encounter the following procedures.
-
Group Therapy: These meetings are somewhat like a
support group session, allowing patients to share coping
experience. The meetings are run by medical
staff.
-
Individual Therapy: This is a time for you to meet
alone with your therapist to discuss ways of dealing with
the illness.
-
Family Meetings: In these sessions, medical staff
will prepare you and your family for your return
home.
-
Time Out: If you become unable to control yourself,
the staff may separate you from the other patients, either
in your own room or---if you seem violent---in a "safety
room."
-
Restraints: Patients who pose a danger to themselves
or others may be physically restrained with leather
bands.
-
Electroconvulsive (e-LEK-tro-kun-VUL-siv) Therapy:
For patients who become severely withdrawn or depressed,
this form of treatment can help speed recovery. Also known
as ECT or shock therapy, it applies a mild electric current
to the brain. Although the treatment temporarily disrupts
the memory, full recall typically returns within 2
weeks.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
Be sure to take your
prescribed medication regularly. Symptoms
will return if you stop taking the drug. Since these
medications can make you drowsy, be cautious when using
machinery or driving until you know how the drug affects
you. Check with your doctor before taking any other drugs,
either prescription or over-the-counter.
-
Avoid alcohol and
recreational drugs. They can interact with your medication,
causing extreme drowsiness and other potentially serious
effects.
-
Since it's hard to avoid
stress, learn to control it with such techniques as deep
breathing, relaxing muscles, meditation, or biofeedback.
Try not to bottle-up your feelings; talk to your doctors,
family, or friends and let them help you. You may also want
to join a support group.
-
Encourage those close to you
to talk to your doctor. He can give them tips on how to
respond to the situation.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You're unable to sleep well
or find that you are sleeping more than
usual.
-
You undergo a change in
appetite.
-
Your medicine makes you
drowsy, dizzy, or sick to your stomach.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You begin to have thoughts of
suicide or homicide.
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