Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders are different conditions despite sounding very similar. Each mental health condition has its own diagnostic features and treatment criteria. However, there are also many similarities between the two illnesses including symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and confused thinking. Here we take a closer look at schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder separately:
Schizophrenia
This mental illness causes a person to experience severe psychosis which interferes with their ability to relate to other people, while also causing confusion and disruption throughout their daily lives. Aside from psychosis, people with schizophrenia will often display physical symptoms such as slurred speech and chaotic behavior
People with schizophrenia may also appear to others to be withdrawn and uncommunicative. This is often because the illness causes deficits in memory, difficulties problem-solving or processing new information. These symptoms can lead to the sufferer withdrawing from others or appearing somehow “disconnected” when in company.
Schizoaffective Disorder
This condition also leads to severe psychosis including delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thinking. There are two types of this condition:
- Bipolar, which is characterized by manic or depressive episodes
- Depression that does not include the symptom of mania
Generally speaking, schizoaffective disorders tend to be more chronic than schizophrenia. This is mainly because the duration of the mood episodes differs considerably between the two conditions. However, there are effective treatment options for both, which allow for a long-term recovery and successful management of symptoms.
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CASA Recovery offers mental health programs that are designed for the individual. We have complete understanding of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and offer personalized treatment programs at our mental health treatment center in Southern California. To find out more about the top mental health program in San Juan Capistrano, CA, contact CASA Recovery today.