The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in its fifth edition (2013), places Schizoaffective Disorder within the spectrum of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Briefly, this disorder is characterized by “an uninterrupted period of illness during which there is a major mood episode (manic or major depressive) concurrent with Criterion A of schizophrenia” (APA, 2013). Criterion A of schizophrenia refers to the presence of two or more of the following symptoms for most of a one-month period: Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, very disorganized or catatonic behavior, and negative symptoms.
In turn, this disorder can be bipolar or depressive type and its incidence is higher in women (especially the depressive type).
Below are some of the treatments available for schizoaffective disorder:
Individual psychotherapy
The first line treatment is psychotherapy, the type used for this disorder is supportive, client-centered and non-directive. This is because individuals with schizoaffective disorder need a warm, positive, and change-oriented environment to explore their environment and feel stability and security. They can also teach problem-solving techniques and help develop coping skills. This will allow the patient to be more functional in daily life and acquire more social skills. Additionally, interpersonal relationship skills can be developed, which is usually one of the family’s concerns.
Family-oriented psychotherapy
In addition to individual therapy, a modality that is oriented toward the entire family can also be implemented. This modality consists of psychoeducation sessions for the family group.
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group therapy
Group therapy can also be of great benefit in the treatment plan of these people. This modality consists of working on general issues of interpersonal relationships, everyday problems, issues concerning work or studies and other specific issues.
ACT
The mindfulness-based approach has been applied to various conditions including depression and psychosis. Its main objective is not to reduce psychotic symptoms, but to reduce the patient’s suffering by strengthening her abilities to tolerate these symptoms. Broadly speaking, this is achieved by increasing awareness and acceptance of the presence of these symptoms (you can read more about ). The patient’s concentration on the symptoms is then reduced (depowering their impact) to the values that are important to the patient. Fabián Maero () explains it like this: “Specifically, ACT uses interventions that promote defusion (reducing the impact of language), acceptance, flexible perspective taking, contact with the present moment, clarification of values and action.” committed to those values.”
Because problems in the social and work area are common in this disorder, the patient often depends on the help of his family or close people to receive treatment. It is important that family members provide a support network and can participate in family-oriented therapies to learn more about the disorder and how to help improve the quality of life of the affected person.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.