Schizoaffective disorder

Treatment:

The treatment of people with schizoaffective disorder depends upon the mood disorder associated with the illness. Medication is the most common form of treatment for this disorder.

Neuroleptic medications are the major groups of medications used to treat psychotic symptoms. The medication may take up to 3 weeks to relieve symptoms.

With a manic mood disturbance, lithium may be used with or without neuroleptic medication.

With a depressed mood disturbance, treatment with antidepressants alone is usually not effective. Neuroleptic medications may be used in combination with antidepressants in some people.

Expectations (prognosis):

Some improvement may be seen in people receiving treatment for this disorder, but the condition may be chronic and the level of functioning may not return to the level present before the onset of illness.

Complications:

Some people may not have the desired response to treatment requiring changes in medication. Movement disorders may be associated with the use of certain medications to treat the disorder.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider or mental health professional if:

• voices are telling you to hurt yourself.
• you are unable to care for your basic needs.
• you are feeling hopeless or helpless.
• lack of compliance with treatment occurs
• symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.