Question 1

what is the best antipsychotic drug with the least side affects to help with schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Varies: If there were one best antipsychotic drug then there would not be such a competition to develop and market them. Almost all of the antipsychotics involve trade-offs that are individual - for example some cause sedation, but sedation could be a benefit if you have trouble sleeping, etcetera. This table might help... http://www.psychresidentonline.com/atypical%20antipsychotics.htm.

Question 2

how does past drug abuse affect symptoms from schizoaffective disorder and depression?

Accepted Answer

Past drug abuse: per se has NO effect on symptomatology pf Schizoaffective disorders directly but MUST be taken into account when PRESCRIBING medications for such patients which may have addictive side effects!

Question 3

what 's the best treatment for schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Multidisciplinary: The best treatment is a combination of antipsychotic medications to treat psychotic symptoms and antidepressant medications to improve mood.  Group or individual psychotherapy can be helpful in making goals, solving problems, and maintaining relationships.  Support and work training may be helpful for work skills, money management, and maintaining independence.

Question 4

what can cause schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: We do not have a clear understanding of the causes of most major mental disorders, but that may be especially true for schizoaffective disorder.  It is a hybrid of symptoms from schizophrenia and depression or mania--and we don't really understand the underlying causes of those either.

Question 5

does ect work for schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

ECT: Or electroconvulsive therapy can be used for the treatment of Schizoaffective disorder when mood states are recalcitrant to other treatments. It is safe and effective.

Question 6

what medication for schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Individual: Everyone is different and there are many different medications. Consultation with the psychiatrist is important!

Question 7

how can  schizoaffective disorder be treated?

Accepted Answer

Medications: Schizoaffective disorder has prominent mood problems as well as psychosis, so several types of medications may be needed--antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.  They can markedly reduce overall symptoms and improve quality of life when they work but also can produce side effects that can make patients reluctant to stay on the medications.

Question 8

what are the tests for schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Clinical diagnosis: Schizoaffective disorder is a clinical diagnosis; there are no lab tests.  One is looking for a pattern of disturbances in both mood (depression, mania, or a mixture of both) and impaired reality testing (hallucinations, delusions, problems with thought processes).  Both types of symptoms need to be prominent over time.

Question 9

could i get advice for schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar/depressive/: Schizoaffective Disorder uninterrupted period of illness with a major mood episode(major depression/mania) concurent with Schiizophrenia Criteria A.   Delusions &amp; Hallucinations for 2 or more wks in absence of a major mood diisorder (depresion/mania). Symptoms meet a major mood episode for lifetime of illness. Not due to substance abuse, medication, or medical condition. Types Bipolar/Depressive.

Question 10

can people recover from schizoaffective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: Like many psychotic disorders, the goal usually is remission of symptoms; there is no "cure."  however, these individuals often respond well to available medications.  They typically require treatment both of their psychosis (antipsychotics) and of their depression or mania (antidepressants or mood stabilizers).  They are at risk for symptom return, especially if they stop treatment.

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Schizoaffective disorder drugs

A member asked:

What is the best antipsychotic drug with the least side affects to help with schizoaffective disorder?

A member asked:

How does past drug abuse affect symptoms from schizoaffective disorder and depression?

A member asked:

What 's the best treatment for schizoaffective disorder?

A member asked:

What can cause schizoaffective disorder?

A member asked:

Does ect work for schizoaffective disorder?

A member asked:

What medication for schizoaffective disorder?

A member asked:

How can schizoaffective disorder be treated?

A member asked:

What are the tests for schizoaffective disorder?

A member asked:

Could i get advice for schizoaffective disorder?

A member asked:

Can people recover from schizoaffective disorder?

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