Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that involves manic or major depressive episodes along with symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations. Schizoaffective disorder can affect the way a person thinks, acts, and feels, which can be scary and overwhelming for those who struggle with it.
At Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital, located in West Bloomfield, Michigan, we provide personalized inpatient treatment for adolescents and adults age 18 and older who are suffering from schizoaffective disorder. By receiving care at our premier inpatient treatment center, people who have schizoaffective disorder can stabilize, address crisis symptoms, and work toward long-term healing in a supportive treatment environment.
Signs & Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder symptoms can vary depending on the mood episodes (manic or depressive) and psychosis symptoms someone may be experiencing. In general, schizoaffective disorder includes persistent mood-related symptoms as well as delusions or hallucinations that last for at least two weeks without a major mood episode.
Signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder may include:
- Delusions (fixed false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (false perceptions of reality)
- Disorganized speech
- Lack of expression
- Strong feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- Lack of energy
- Feeling excited, energized, or irritable
- Racing thoughts
- Distractibility
- Excessive talking
- Increase in reckless behavior
If you are experiencing schizoaffective disorder symptoms, it may be important to seek support at a professional treatment place such as Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital. At our hospital, our qualified staff is ready to provide you with an assessment to evaluate your behavioral healthcare needs and determine whether we can provide the treatment you need at the level of care that is right for you.
Schizoaffective Disorder Statistics
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), schizoaffective disorder has an estimated lifetime prevalence of 0.3%, making it less common than other mental health conditions.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) reports that schizoaffective disorder symptoms typically begin in early adulthood. However, onset can occur anytime from adolescence to older adulthood.
Additionally, according to information shared by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), approximately 10%-30% of inpatient admissions related to psychosis are for schizoaffective disorder.
Potential Effects of Schizoaffective Disorder
If left untreated, schizoaffective disorder can have a range of negative impacts on someone’s health, well-being, and overall functioning.
Effects of schizoaffective disorder can include:
- Problems at work or school
- Social difficulties
- Family conflict
- Isolation
- Feelings of loneliness
- Trouble functioning in daily life
- Lack of self-care
- Loss of quality of life
- Onset of co-occurring mental health concerns or addictions
- Increased risk for suicide
Fortunately, it is possible to manage the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder and work toward a healthier future. Seeking care at a qualified schizoaffective disorder treatment center can help you heal from the challenges you may have faced and acquire resources and strategies to live a more satisfying life.
Benefits of Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
Often, one of the first steps in treating schizoaffective disorder is a comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Receiving an assessment at a qualified treatment place such as Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital can help you access appropriate treatment and begin the process of healing and managing the symptoms you have been suffering from.
Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital offers schizoaffective disorder treatment that is designed based on the unique needs and strengths of each patient.
At our inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment center, you can work with a professional treatment team that will create a customized care plan just for you. Your individualized treatment plan will outline therapies and services that can help you manage crisis symptoms and prepare for the next steps on your treatment journey.
Another major benefit of receiving comprehensive schizoaffective disorder treatment at a hospital like Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital is having the opportunity to work with compassionate professionals who truly want to help you heal. Our staff consists of highly trained and skilled individuals, including:
- Psychiatrists
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners
- Social workers
- Family medicine physicians
- Mental health technicians
- Music therapists
- Art therapists
- Recreation therapists
- Dietitians
Receiving personalized schizoaffective disorder treatment can help you build coping skills and identify support systems that can assist you on the path to long-term healing.
Therapies Used in Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment
Schizoaffective disorder treatment often includes the following features:
- Education about schizoaffective disorder
- Skill-building and problem-solving, including in the areas of communication, relationships, and coping strategies
- Meaningful support, including through family and group therapies
At our inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment center, we offer a number of evidence-based therapies and clinical services that are designed to help you learn how to manage your symptoms and develop coping skills that can continue to benefit you long after your time at our hospital has come to an end.
Each person who receives care at our schizoaffective disorder treatment center is provided with an individualized treatment plan that guides them throughout their time in our care. Depending on each person’s needs, their treatment plan may include some of or all the following:
- Medication management services: Medication can be very beneficial for someone who is suffering from schizoaffective disorder. However, not all patients need medication. But for those who do, they have the opportunity to meet with a nurse daily for medication management services.
- Group therapy: Group therapy sessions are the primary method of treatment used at our schizoaffective disorder treatment center in West Bloomfield, Michigan, with sessions taking place daily. We offer several types of groups, including psychoeducation groups, process groups, and skills development groups. All sessions are led by experienced social workers, who guide discussions on a number of different topics, which may include self-esteem, coping skills, healthy boundaries, and trauma.
- Individual therapy: Some patients may benefit from receiving individual therapy, which consists of one-on-one meetings with a social worker in a confidential setting. Individual therapy sessions are provided on an as-needed basis and allow patients time to discuss any concerns they have, process their past experiences, and track the progress they’re making in treatment.
- Family therapy: Children and adolescent patients may participate in family therapy sessions once a week while receiving care in our inpatient schizoaffective disorder treatment program. Adults can receive family therapy on an as-needed or as-requested basis.
- Experiential therapy: We offer a variety of experiential therapies at our hospital, including recreational therapy, art therapy, and music therapy. These therapies are offered daily for adolescent and adult patients.
Your care at Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital may draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help you explore thoughts and behaviors and develop new ways of responding to challenges and stressors. Our team also uses treatment modalities like motivational interviewing and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to give patients a well-rounded, holistic treatment experience.
Throughout treatment, social support can be a key resource as you work to manage your symptoms and improve your well-being. Supportive family members and friends can help you follow your treatment protocols and maintain structure and wellness in your daily life.
Learn More
Making the decision to receive treatment for schizoaffective disorder is a brave step that can have immensely beneficial results. At Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital in West Bloomfield, Michigan, we want to partner with you as you begin your healing journey.
If you have any questions about the services we offer, the admissions process, or schizoaffective disorder treatment in general, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our compassionate intake specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give you the information you need to make the most informed decision for yourself or a loved one.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Henry Ford Behavioral Health Hospital.