We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment?

By Tara Barnett
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,609
Share

For many people, schizoaffective disorder treatment involves a complicated regimen of medications along with regular psychiatric treatment in order to manage those medications. Different medications are used to manage different symptoms. There are very few schizoaffective disorder treatment plans that are intended to lead to recovery, although if substance abuse played a part in causing the symptoms, ceasing substance abuse sometimes helps to completely resolve symptoms.

Schizoaffective disorder is a complex disorder with a wide variety of symptoms, including mania, depression, and delusions. Managing these symptoms is the main goal of treatment. Each state must often be treated by a different medication, and the medications a person needs will likely change as the disorder goes through different phases. As such, schizoaffective disorder treatment requires close monitoring by a psychiatrist.

Paliperidone and risperidone are antipsychotic medications used as schizoaffective disorder treatments. These medications are also used to treat schizophrenia. Depending on the situation, a psychiatrist will usually prescribe these drugs in combination with others in order to manage psychotic symptoms. It is important to note that these two drugs have serious permanent side effects, such as tardive dyskinesia, so some people do not consent to take them.

For aspects of this disorder that manifest as depression, antidepressants are often prescribed. There are restrictions on what types of antidepressants can be prescribed because some types can turn depression into psychosis. Lamictal, for example, is popular because it is an anticonvulsant and does not induce mood cycling. Not all patients react in the same way to these medications, and while a certain schizoaffective disorder treatment may be perfect for one person, it may be disastrous for another.

Manic symptoms must be managed using different medications, which include lithium, carbamazepine, and other substances. Benzodiazepines are also prescribed for this purpose. Manic medications, like depression medications, are often difficult to fit to a certain person. While medications like benzodiazepines might be effective, they are not usually safe to use over a long period of time. This makes finding a sustainable schizoaffective disorder treatment even more difficult.

Medication is essential in managing schizoaffective disorder, but the human component of treatment is important as well. Talking about problems with the disorder, offering encouragement, and giving the patient a reason to get better are all essential aspects of treatment. More importantly, regular meetings with a psychiatrist are required in order to manage the large number of medications needed for the constantly changing symptoms of this disorder. Even with proper treatment, many people who suffer from schizoaffective disorder will require hospitalization and intense treatment at some point.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-schizoaffective-disorder-treatment.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.