Can schizoaffective disorder be degenerative?
459213
Generally, if someone with schizoaffective disorder is functioning well on a medication regime and they continue to comply with treatment, it is not often that you see any degeneration in their condition. However, it is not uncommon, particularly if people have been well for some time, for them to attempt to come off medication, which often leads to relapse (not always, but mostly). Another significant problem can be the long-term use of medication itself. This condition is usually treated with a mood stabilizer in conjunction with an anti-psychotic. The anti-psychotic medicines at a high dose and over a long period of time can cause a condition called "tardive dyskinesia", which can affect movement and speech. Obviously, this is not desirable and careful monitoring of physical health, as well as mental state is an absolute must. Overall though, it is very difficult to predict, as each individual's experience of the illness is different, including how long it takes to relapse, what the signs are, how long the recovery process takes, etc. I hope that this helps!
30496
The word "schizo-affective disorder" is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".\n\nIt is not a "disease", despite claims made in certain peoples answers here. There is NO credible scientific evidence that shows the existence of what constitutes "schizo-affecive disorder", "schizophrenia" or ANY mental illness, as a genetic, biological/neurological disorder, brain abnormality or "chemical imbalance".\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD (Neurologist, Pediatric Neurology), & Fellow at the American Academy of Neurology.\n\n"Chemical imbalance…it’s a shorthand term really, it’s probably drug industry derived… We don’t have tests because to do it, you’d probably have to take a chunk of brain out of someone - not a good idea." Dr. Mark Graff, Chair of the Committee of Public Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. July, 2005.\n\nSymptoms that psychiatry labels as "schizo-affective disorder" (or it's related disorders), can stem from any number of variable sources. Many people have overcome disorders such as "bipolar" and "schizo affective disorder" through effective megavitamin therapy and effective nutrition. A growing wealth of evidence supports that underlying nutritional deficiencies can cause even the most severe mental disorders, including "schizophrenia". [1,2,3,4,5,6] \n\nYou may also be interested to know that the work undertaken by pioneers such as Dr. Lars Martensson and the late Dr. Loren Mosher show that there is also another way - far safer and more effective than psychiatric restraint, drugs and electro-shocks. For over a decade Loren R Mosher, MD, held a central position in American psychiatric research. He was the first Chief of the Center for Studies of Schizophrenia at the National Institute of Mental Health, 1969-1980. He founded the Schizophrenia Bulletin and for ten years he was its Editor-in-Chief. He also led the Soteria Project, which demonstrated that effective rehabilitation is possible without harmful antipsychotic drugs. Soteria provided a safe and sane environment where schizophrenic patients could stay, medication-free, with a young, nonprofessional staff trained to listen to and understand them and provide companionship. The idea was that schizophrenia or related disorders can often be overcome with the help of meaningful relationships, rather than with drugs, and that such treatment would eventually lead to unquestionably healthier lives. The results were fantastic. Over just 6 weeks, patients recovered as quickly as those treated with medication in hospitals. [7,8] \n\nBottom line? Psychiatry is a belief-system, a "faith", not a science. Despite the huge marketing strategies, the so-called "research" and all the propaganda thrown at the world, there is not one iota of scientific evidence that proves that "schizophrenia" or ANY mental illness, in fact, exists as an actual --medical disease--.\n\nIf you have been told differently then know this: You have been lied to.\n\nFor more information, please visit:\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters\nDecoding Psychiatric Propaganda
852974
In depression with psychotic features, a person's depression is accompanied by delusions or hallucinations. Often these are filled with self-hate or expectations of being punished. (Delusions are patently absurd or falsifiable thoughts; hallucinations are seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling or otherwise sensing things that are not there.) The primary issue is a depressed mood and the consequent symptoms (poor sleep, appetite, lack of pleasure, low-self-esteem, low sexual drive, suicidal ideation, difficulty concentrating, etc.). Like most depressions, a depressive episode with psychotic features is usually time-limited, and one can usually emerge from the episode to achieve full recovery. \n\nSchizophrenia is a more pure thought disorder that affects about 1% of the US population. It involves extremely disorganized thinking, delusions, hallucinations, social problems, difficulty maintaining employment, and generally poor overall functioning.\n\nSchizoaffective disorder is diagnosed when someone has schizophrenia but with a co-occurring depression or mania.\n\nMost people find that schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are much more long-lasting, usually life-long. The primary problem with both of them is the thought disorder.
369174
Its like manic depression. You can have extreme highs and be happy one day, and the next you could feel your lowest and just want to die. Usually your thinking is off track and it is usually misdiagnosed for schizophrenia. You also might do sudden impulsive things like want to take a bus and go across the country.
347250
Yes,I would.And schizophrenics are rarely homicidal.The most common mental disorders prone to homicide is sociopathy and psychopathy.However, to some extent it is a case of nature vs nurture.Most serial killers and mass murderers were severely abused as children.There are several cases of people who are sociopaths who can not only function is society, but excel at their chosen field.
248154
No, not yet.  However, here has been a breakthrough at Harvard (see link below, click on Genetic Breakthrough) which is cause for hope.\n\nMy son also has this disorder.  If you would like to discuss Tourettes, please feel free to email me through this web site or contact me through my family web site.\n\nBlessings to you....
879474
Yes read the details here.\nhttp://www.schizophrenia.com/sztest/SIPS.details.htm\nGood luck!
210541
Certainly many people do have undignosed mental illness  \nThere is a web site I often refer people to for  simple decriptions of  kinds of mental illness art and decription by the late Don Tatro who was both a digital artist and a forensic Psychologist  his Psychopics might possible help give you in sight to the siruation with your father.\nhttp://dontatro.bryce-alive.net/psychopics.htm
61761
No.  I don't think they've found the exact mechanism that causes schizophrenia, but it does seem to be genetic in nature. \n\nHowever, schizophrenia could cause self-harm by creating delusions where the sufferer believed that self-harm was necessary to accomplish something that the delusion led that person to think was necessary.
1059295
If a person remembers a traumatic event and hallucinates, it could be PTSD.  Most people don't know that hallucination is a symptom of PTSD.  There are a host of other symptoms that she would have to exhibit before she could meet this diagnosis.\nIf she is hearing voices and seeing people that aren't there, then there is a possibility that it could be schizophrenia.  But as said previously, most people with schizophrenia aren't symptomatic until late teens early 20s.  It is not unprecedented to have children or older people to develop schizophrenia.\nOr it could be the combination of the two.  The diathesis-stress model of mental illness teaches that people are predisposed to develop a mental illness, but may not have all of the symptoms.  Then, a traumatic event may occur, triggering the genetic predisposition, and "awakening" the mental illness.
1056457
yes, along with loss of balance, shuffling gait, slow thinking and difficulty moving and possibly dementia as the disease progresses.\n\nhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/parkinsonsdisease.html
987084
There are many different kinds of schizophrenia and I've found everyone is a bit different.  I'm not going to bore everyone with pages of information.  Please go to the NAMI.org website and link to "inform yourself".  Their information on schizophrenia is pretty accurate.  Their emphasis is on "brain disease", and schizophrenia is a brain disease.\n\nAs opposed to personality disorders or disorders caused by abuse or trauma.  Which brings up the cute but clearly ignorant statement someone before said about which one is asking the question.  Schizophrenia is definitely not the same as multiple personality disorder (dissociative identity disorder since the latest DSM was published).  Unfortunately, there are so many people who just can't seem to understand that.  The treatment is very different for those two conditions!
389567
NO!!!!  NO!!!! NO!!!!\nHaving schizophrenia is something you have to deal with every day all of your life & it affects every aspect of your life.  Having postpartum psychosis is a temporary problem that when treated goes away and doesn't return--unless you have another baby and have the same problems again!  PPP may seem to some to come on suddenly--but the signs are present before the child is even born--a good doc would take notice of it, if they don't the family and friends of the mommy to be would.  I've had ppd-postpartum depression- and it wasn't something that just happened over night, it had been building up for months:  2 kids under 3 & another one on the way, middle of a divorce from a physically & mentally abusive man, trying to work full time and finish college--it would make any one depressed, add the hormone fluctuations of pregnancy & Poof!  You've got a Mad Mommy!
888109
i have found that music helps sooth the body no matter mental condition you may have. it gives your brain a chance to take a break from the moment, all you can do is try it ! if it works for you great, if not - open the front door and yell at the next person that walks by,  it works for me, hint: my neighbors know I'm crazy!!\nread the following it might help!!\n \nSchizophrenia is probably the most distressing and disabling mental disorder. The first signs of schizophrenia tend to surface in adolescence or young adulthood. Symptoms are confusing and can be distressing to family and friends. \n\nPeople with schizophrenia suffer from problems with their thought processes. These lead to hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and unusual speech or behaviour . Symptoms affect the ability to interact with others, and often people with schizophrenia withdraw from the outside world. \n\nContrary to popular belief, people with schizophrenia do not have 'split personalities'. Another common belief is that people with schizophrenia are dangerous. In fact, they can be dangerous, but mostly only during the acute phases of their disease. It is fair to say that people with schizophrenia are far more likely to be victims of violence and crime than to commit violent acts.\n\nSchizophrenia is a life-long illness and most patients will need treatment for the rest of their lives. This means they will miss out on career opportunities, stable relationships and friendships. Because of the lack of public understanding, people with schizophrenia often feel isolated and stigmatised, and may be reluctant or unable to talk about their illness. \n \n\nDespite the availability of new medication with less severe and fewer side effects, only one person in five 'recovers' from the illness, and one in ten people with schizophrenia commits suicide.\n\nSchizophrenia is distressing for everyone involved. Patients clearly suffer from great disruption to their lives. Families and friends will also be seriously affected and distressed because of the effects schizophrenia has on their relative and the burden of caring for their beloved one. Coping with the symptoms of schizophrenia can be especially difficult for relatives and friends who remember their beloved one before s/he became ill. \n\nDespite clear evidence to the contrary, many people still believe that schizophrenia is caused by poor parenting or a lack of will power. Nothing is further from the truth. Schizophrenia is a complex illness and scientists believe it is caused by a number of different factors that act together. These factors include: genetic influences, trauma (injury) to the brain occurring during or around the time of birth, as well as the effects of social isolation and/or stress. In some cases the use of drugs, such as cannabis can also be a contributing factor. However, as yet no single factor has been identified as the cause of schizophrenia.\n\nSchizophrenia affects between 1 and 2% of people. The illness occurs all over the world and the incidence (or the rate of the illness) is similar in different countries and different cultures. Men and women are at equal risk of developing the illness. Whereas in men the illness tends to surface between the ages of 16 and 25, most females develop symptoms between the ages of 25 and 30. \n \n\nWhen taken regularly and followed as prescribed, medications and other treatments for schizophrenia, can help reduce and control symptoms . However, some people don't experience the benefits of available treatments, or may prematurely discontinue treatment because of unpleasant side effects , including weight gain, or intolerance to the medication. Even when treatment is effective, patients often find it difficult to persevere with treatment. Lost career opportunities, stigma, ongoing symptoms and/or side effects can cause many difficulties and prevent patients from leading a normal life.\n\nSubstance misuse is a common concern
172711
No.  Brain surgery could remove growths in the brain.  But bipolar is basically a deficiency in lithium - it is treated with lithium.  Schizophrenics have brain chemical imbalances - too much dopamine, too little serotonin.  These are governed to a great deal by food and alcohol intake.  None of these could be resolved by an operation.
1156060
I have it and was diagnosed at age 26.  I got depressed and the bottom dropped out fro under me at 18 and I went for years being only diagnosed with depression.  I never attempted suicide but contemplated it for about 6 years every single day.  There were, however, manic days, where by all appearances I seemed happy to others.  I was ecstatically happy to the point that people had to make me calm down.  But when alone, the depression would immediately return with a vengeance when considered relative to the manic highs.  At one point, prior to my diagnosis, I became so consumed with my own political / religious philosophy that I went for several months in a highly delusional state until the point of psychotic hallucinations after several sleepless nights.  I was hospitalized for the first time after that and they still didn't diagnose it.  Of course I was scared and didn't tell them about the hallucinations, because I feared they'd think I was crazy. They instead treated me for alcoholism - I didn't even drink.  Finally, a couple of years after I got married, I became fascinated with a political idea that I had and began to put it to paper.  After weeks of writing incessantly and causing domestic disturbances, I went to the doctor with my notebook with me and told him that I could not stop writing - I couldn't relax and give it arrest.  At that point he diagnosed me as bipolar and I have been taking lithium and effexor every since, with limited levels of success from time to time.  There are still those moments when I'm capable of making an ass of myself with wild ideas and my enthusiasm for them.  I do not take anti-psychotic medications though as they seem to "labotomize" me and stop my thinking process cold.  I can't deal with that.  I am still highly intensive when it comes to religious or political debate.  Those are my two primary areas of obsessive compulsive thought.  I simply am not able to not think of these things when I "relax".  I can however control the pace with sedatives.  A regular sleeping schedule also helps.  \nWhen I am at my lowest low, sometimes I consider electroconvulsive therapy, but have not yet done it.  It is a bit frightening.\nGood luck, I do hope you find yourself not to have it.  But if so, there are ways to cope and control it to some degree, but I don't believe it can be totally controlled.
606858
Yes. My bipolar aunt was diagnosed with schizophrenia and as a result she was on the wrong meds for years. This was back in the 1970s and my doctor tells me that this particular misdiagnosis was not uncommon at that time.  No doctor is perfect, after all.