Schizoaffective Disorder is one of the more common, chronic and disabling emotional disorders. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms of schizophrenia and an Affective (mood) disorder. Most clinicians and researchers today agree that it is primarily a form of schizophrenia, and may account for one-fourth or even one-third of all persons with schizophrenia.
To diagnose schizoaffective disorder, a person needs to have primary symptoms of schizophrenia (such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized behavior) along with a period of time when he or she also has symptoms of major depression or a manic episode. Sometimes, differentiating schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia and from a mood disorder can de difficult.
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The most effective treatment for schizoaffective disorder is a combination of medications and psychosocial interventions. In terms of psychosocial interventions specifically, evidence suggests that cognitive behavior therapy, brief psychotherapy, and social skills training are likely to have a beneficial effect.
As a core intervention in our residential treatment and transitional living programs (Pasadena Villa® and TLLC), we promote brief psychotherapy and “in the moment” interventions, by having staff participate in a wide variety of community activities with our clients. We provide extensive and customized social skills training, as well as a comprehensive offering of psychotherapies.
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