Introduction
Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder are serious mental illnesses characterized by disruptions in thinking, perception, mood, and behavior. These disorders can significantly impair daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.
Causes
The causes are complex: combination of genetic predisposition, brain chemistry and structure, neurodevelopmental factors, and environmental triggers (stress, trauma, substance use). Schizoaffective disorder involves features of both psychosis and mood disorders.
Types / Subtypes
- Schizophrenia — a chronic psychotic disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking or behavior, negative symptoms (flattened affect, social withdrawal), cognitive impairments.
- Schizoaffective Disorder — a condition in which an individual experiences both psychotic symptoms (as in schizophrenia) and mood disorder symptoms (depression or bipolar-like). The presentation can be more variable and may overlap with mood disorders.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include hallucinations (hearing or seeing things not present), delusions (fixed false beliefs), disorganized speech or behavior, catatonia, extreme mood changes, depression, mania or mixed episodes (in schizoaffective), social withdrawal, lack of motivation, reduced emotional expression, difficulty with concentration or memory, and impaired daily functioning.
Treatment & Follow-Up
Treatment often requires a comprehensive, long-term, multidisciplinary approach: antipsychotic medication (for psychotic symptoms), mood stabilizers (if mood symptoms present), psychotherapy, psychosocial support, psychoeducation, and community support. Regular follow-up is critical: medication adherence, monitoring side effects, therapy continuity, social support, relapse prevention, and coordination with other medical or social services if needed.
