Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
Expert psychiatric evaluation and personalized treatment for schizoaffective disorder, combining medication management and therapy to help you manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Book an Appointment Call Us TodayUnderstanding Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, with mood disorder symptoms, including depression or bipolar episodes.
This complex condition requires specialized treatment that addresses both the psychotic and mood-related components. At Health & Psychiatry, Dr. Dinar Sajan, MD, and her experienced team of clinicians provide compassionate, evidence-based care designed to restore balance, well-being, and quality of life.
Recognizing
Schizoaffective Disorder Symptoms
Early recognition is essential for timely schizoaffective disorder diagnosis and effective intervention.
Psychotic Symptoms
Individuals may experience symptoms such as:
- Experiencing hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real)
- Holding beliefs that are not based in reality (delusions)
- Difficulty thinking clearly or speaking coherently
- Disorganized behavior or speech patterns
- Reduced emotional expression or flat affect
Mood Episodes
In addition to psychotic symptoms, individuals also experience significant mood episodes:
Manic Episodes
Periods of elevated mood, high energy, and increased activity. During mania, you may sleep very little, make impulsive decisions, talk rapidly, and exhibit irritability or agitation. You might feel unusually confident or engage in risky behaviors.
Depressive Episodes
Persistent feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. You might also experience fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite, and low self-esteem.
Book an Appointment Call UsRequirements for Schizoaffective Disorder Diagnosis
To receive a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, you must experience psychotic symptoms (such as hallucinations or delusions) for at least two weeks without significant mood episodes. However, both psychotic and mood symptoms often occur simultaneously for extended periods.
Book a Schizoaffective Disorder AppointmentThe Two Types of Schizoaffective Disorder
Understanding your specific type helps your schizoaffective disorder specialist guide more targeted treatment approaches.
Bipolar Type
You experience alternating episodes of mania and sometimes depression along with psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. This type requires mood stabilizers in addition to antipsychotic medications.
Depressive Type
Characterized by depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, without manic episodes. Treatment focuses on antidepressants combined with antipsychotic medications.
Specialized Care Can Help You Achieve Greater Stability
Our experienced schizoaffective disorder specialist team provides tailored treatment that addresses both psychotic and mood symptoms, helping you regain control and improve daily functioning.
Schedule Your EvaluationOur Specialized Treatment for Schizoaffective Disorder
At Health & Psychiatry, effective schizoaffective disorder treatment begins with understanding your unique symptom presentation.
Thorough Initial Psychiatric Evaluation
Each patient begins with an in-depth initial psychiatric evaluation conducted by Dr. Dinar Sajan and her experienced team of providers. This evaluation identifies the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to your symptoms, allowing for an accurate schizoaffective disorder diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
During Your Evaluation, We Will:
- Review your current symptoms and their impact on functioning
- Discuss your medical and psychiatric history
- Assess the presence and severity of psychotic and mood symptoms
- Evaluate any co-occurring conditions
- Determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific type
Medication Management
Schizoaffective disorder is primarily managed through carefully monitored medication therapy. Medications are prescribed to:
Control Psychotic Symptoms
Antipsychotic medications help reduce or eliminate hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, allowing you to think more clearly and function better in daily life.
Stabilize Mood
Depending on your type, treatment for schizoaffective disorder may include:
- Mood stabilizers for bipolar-type schizoaffective disorder
- Antidepressants for depressive-type schizoaffective disorder
- Combination approaches when needed for optimal symptom control
Your schizoaffective disorder psychiatrist will work closely with you to find the right medications and dosages, monitoring for effectiveness and managing any side effects.
Schizoaffective Disorder Therapy
In addition to medication, counseling and various forms of psychotherapy are highly beneficial for long-term management:
Individual Therapy
Helps you better understand your condition, recognize early warning signs of symptom changes, and develop effective coping strategies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Teaches skills to challenge distorted thoughts, manage symptoms, and improve problem-solving abilities.
Family Education and Support
Helps loved ones understand schizoaffective disorder and learn how to provide effective support while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Why Choose Health & Psychiatry
Same day and late evening appointments
No referral required
Emergency visit availability
Wide range of insurance plans accepted
Convenient locations throughout Florida
Telepsychiatry:
Expert Care From Anywhere
Access expert personality disorder therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own home through secure, HIPAA-compliant video appointments.
You can meet with one of our licensed providers, including our experienced Schizoaffective Disorder psychiatrist, using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Benefits of Telepsychiatry for Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment:
- Receive care from the comfort of your home
- Eliminate travel time and transportation barriers
- Flexible scheduling around work and family commitments
- Maintain continuity of care even when traveling
- Access to the same expert providers and personalized treatment
What to Bring
1. Driver's License
2. Insurance ID Card
3. Prescription Bottles
Your Insurance Likely Covers Your Care
We accept most major insurance plans. Let's verify your coverage before your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two main types:
- Bipolar type: alternating episodes of mania and sometimes depression along with psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.
- Depressive type: depressive episodes with psychotic symptoms but no manic episodes.
Schizoaffective disorder involves a range of symptoms but the 5 major signs you may experience are:
- Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that aren't there.
- Delusions: false beliefs not based in reality.
- Depressed mood or manic episodes: significant mood changes.
- Disorganized thinking or speech: difficulty organizing thoughts or communicating clearly.
- Difficulty functioning: impairment in work, relationships, or daily activities.
Yes, schizoaffective disorder can worsen without proper treatment, particularly during periods of stress or if medication is discontinued. Symptoms may become more severe, frequent, or disruptive to daily functioning.
However, with consistent treatment for schizoaffective disorder, including medication management and schizoaffective disorder therapy, most individuals can achieve symptom stability and prevent deterioration.
Yes, schizoaffective disorder is highly treatable. With appropriate care, it becomes a manageable condition. A combination of medication and psychotherapy helps reduce psychotic symptoms, control manic and depressive episodes, and improve coping skills and daily functioning.