What Is Schizoaffective Disorder: Bipolar Type?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Schizoaffective disorder bipolar type requires a comprehensive psychiatric and physical evaluation. So, always refer to a board-certified physician or mental health specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. In case of emergencies, call 9-1-1 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately.

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic condition that can impact a person’s thoughts, mood, and behavior. It is when a person experiences both schizophrenia and a mood disorder. Schizophrenia is a brain-related disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and perceives reality. Meanwhile, mood disorders are characterized by dramatic changes in mood and behavior.

Schizoaffective disorder has 2 types - the depressive type and the bipolar type. Schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, is a lifelong, albeit rare, condition that affects an estimated 0.3% of Americans. As it is rare, it is often misdiagnosed as either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Therefore, there is a need for increased understanding regarding this condition for a proper diagnosis and treatment. While it has no cure, it can be effectively managed with early detection and intervention.

Schizoaffective disorder first became an official diagnosis in the 1987 version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R). Before that, it was known as schizoaffective psychosis, wherein it was considered to be a subtype of schizophrenia.

However, with increasing knowledge and advancement in the field of psychology and psychiatry, we now know that schizoaffective disorder is when a person experiences schizophrenia and a mood disorder at the same time. Common symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, depression, and mania.

Schizoaffective disorder has two types:

I. Schizoaffective Disorder Depressive Type: In this condition, a person experiences the symptoms of schizophrenia along with depressive episodes.

II. Schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type: In the cases of bipolar with schizoaffective disorder, a person experiences the symptoms of schizophrenia along with manic and depressive episodes.

When a person experiences bipolar type schizoaffective disorder, they typically have the symptoms of schizophrenia, mania, and depression. So, firstly, we shall seek to understand the most commonly recognizable schizophrenia symptoms:

• Delusions refer to false beliefs.
• Hallucinations - when a person experiences things that are not present in the environment.
• Disorganized and distorted speech.
• Odd behaviors that are not considered to be socially appropriate.
• Neglecting personal hygiene and self-care.
• Losing interest in the things that were once enjoyable or pleasurable.

The commonly recognizable symptoms of manic episodes are as follows:

• Increased energy levels
• Heightened mood
• Racing thoughts
• Talking more than usual
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty in falling asleep
• Engaging in risky behaviors, both sexual and otherwise.

The commonly recognizable symptoms of depressive episodes are as follows:

• Intense sadness, emptiness, and worthlessness.
• Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyable or pleasurable.
• Changes in appetite.
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Frequent thoughts about suicide or death.

If anybody is experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation, please call 9-8-8 in the U.S. or other respective national helplines immediately.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, then it might be an indication that you will benefit from a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Experts cannot yet pinpoint a definitive cause of schizoaffective disorder. However, they do suggest the following reasons why one may experience this condition:

• Genetic predisposition to bipolar type schizoaffective disorder is possible, as the condition tends to run in families.
• Changes in brain structure and chemistry have been suggested, as there is an imbalance of chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain.
• Stressful events like trauma, financial struggles, and interpersonal relationship disturbances can lead to the onset of symptoms.
• Psychoactive substances have been linked with the development of bipolar with schizoaffective disorder, but they are more likely to worsen the condition - especially cannabis use before the age of 15 years.

Experts have also suggested certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of this condition, which are as follows:

• Family history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.
• Changes in the brain structure occur when the brain is still developing during the prenatal stages of development.
• Chemical changes or imbalances in the brain.
• A history of trauma and/or substance use.

People with bipolar type schizoaffective disorder are at an increased risk of:

• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Interpersonal conflicts and isolation
• Being assaulted by others
• Unemployment
• Homelessness and poverty
• Substance use disorders
• Heart conditions
• Suicide attempts and suicide.

If anybody is experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation, please call 9-8-8 in the U.S. or other respective national helplines immediately.

Diagnosing schizoaffective disorder bipolar type can be challenging as it overlaps with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, once a person reaches out to licensed and trained mental health practitioners, you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

First, they will seek to understand physical and mental health history as well as the symptoms. They may even conduct physical examinations like blood tests, brain imaging tests, and drug tests to rule out underlying medical conditions that can give rise to similar symptoms as bipolar disorder with schizoaffective disorder.

Then, they will seek to establish whether the symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria provided in DSM-5-TR. According to this manual for mental health disorders, a person has schizoaffective disorder bipolar type if they experience:

• A manic episode alongside symptoms of schizophrenia. Depressive episodes can also be present.
• At least two weeks of psychotic symptoms without the presence of any other mood-related symptoms.
• The presence of a mood disorder during most of the course of the condition.
• No evidence of substance abuse or medication misuse that may be leading to the symptoms.

Schizoaffective disorder bipolar type is a chronic condition that needs to be managed and controlled. While it does not have a cure, it can be effectively managed with the following treatment pathways:

Medications: Medications are the first line of treatment for schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Typically, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are used to alleviate suffering, reduce symptoms, and elevate the quality of life.

Commonly prescribed antipsychotics are:

• Paliperidone
• Clozapine
• Haloperidol
• Olanzapine
• Risperidone.

While paliperidone is a known and approved medication for schizoaffective disorder bipolar type, other antipsychotics also have off-label uses and hence are prescribed by psychiatrists for effective treatment.

Mood stabilizers like lithium are used to stabilize bipolar-related symptoms.

Other medications, typically used in the treatment of epilepsy, can also be used to treat the symptoms of this disorder.

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is used in combination with medication management so that people with schizoaffective disorder can lead a functioning, fulfilling life. Psychotherapy enables a person to:

• Enhance cognitive functioning
• Learn new behaviors and skills
• Develop and maintain interpersonal relationships
• Engage in problem-solving.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a widely used therapy used in the treatment of bipolar disorder with schizoaffective disorder. It is mainly used to enable the person to understand how their thinking patterns impact their emotions and beliefs. It allows the person to ignore unrealistic beliefs (like delusions and hallucinations), learn coping skills, and engage in stress management.

Life Skills Training: As bipolar type schizoaffective disorder often leads to interpersonal conflicts, isolation, and unemployment, one can benefit from life skills training sessions involving social skills training and employment training. These skills enable one to develop interpersonal skills that allow them to connect and relate with others, and find stable employment that can provide financial independence.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): While ECT is not the go-to treatment for bipolar disorder with schizoaffective disorder, it is typically used when other treatments have not been as effective. In ECT, small currents are delivered to the brain to induce a therapeutic seizure that improves symptoms.

Hospital Stays: In severe cases, overnight hospital stays involving round-the-clock medical and psychiatric supervision can be required so as to manage the condition and stabilize the person. It is highly recommended when the person is in imminent danger of harming themselves or others.

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic condition, which means it is as lifelong as something like diabetes. As one manages diabetes with treatment and lifestyle modifications, schizoaffective disorder also needs to be managed and controlled so as to lead a meaningful, fulfilling life.

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, as more than half of the people with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type tend to manage their symptoms over time. However, some might require hospital stays to help stabilize their symptoms and treat the condition.

Unfortunately, sometimes, for those with psychotic disorders, such as schizoaffective disorder, it can be a fatal condition, as they are at an increased risk of committing suicide. However, medications like lithium and clozapine have shown great promise in preventing deaths by stabilizing the symptoms.

If you or someone you know is struggling with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type symptoms, it can be challenging. However, reaching out early is crucial.

While hospitalization may be required for severe cases, many can also benefit from structured outpatient programs like partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, where you can focus on your healing while also staying connected to your daily life.

Whenever you are ready, you can reach out to the NuView Treatment Center to connect with licensed mental health specialists who will sit with you in safe and confidential settings to understand your symptoms, experiences, and history to offer clarity on what your next steps can be.

Call (323) 307-7997.

Can schizoaffective disorder bipolar type affect cognitive functioning?

Many of those with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type experience difficulties with attention, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving, which can impact daily functioning, school, or work performance.

Is schizoaffective disorder bipolar type hereditary?

While no single gene leads to this disorder, having close relatives with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder may increase a person's risk of developing it.

Can people with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type live independently?

Many of those diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type can live independently, maintain relationships, and pursue careers when they receive consistent treatment and care.

What can trigger a relapse of schizoaffective disorder bipolar type?

Common relapse triggers include stopping medication, high levels of stress, sleep deprivation, substance use, and failing to follow a treatment plan.

How can family members support someone with schizoaffective disorder bipolar type?

Family members can help by encouraging treatment adherence, learning about the condition, maintaining open communication, and providing a safe, supportive environment.