Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment In Atlanta, GA

Schizoaffective Disorder is a mental illness that is often misunderstood and misinterpreted. It is a condition that combines symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders, making it a complex and severe mental illness. Individuals with Schizoaffective Disorder experience a range of symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, mood swings, and disorganized thinking. However, with proper Schizoaffective Disorder treatment and professional help, people can lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

Behavior Signs Someone Needs Inpatient Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment

Paranoia and Delusions

One of the primary behavioral signs that someone needs Schizoaffective Disorder treatment is the presence of paranoia and delusions. They may have irrational suspicions about people or things around them, believing that someone is spying on them or plotting against them. They may also have delusions, which mean they believe in things that are not true. For example, they may think they are the Messiah or that the government is controlling their mind.

Disordered Thinking and Speech

People with Schizoaffective Disorder often struggle with disordered thinking and speech, which makes it challenging to communicate with them. They may have difficulty organizing their thoughts or expressing themselves coherently, leading to speech that is incoherent, disorganized, or irrelevant. They may also use nonsensical or inappropriate words or phrases.

Emotional Instability

Emotional instability is another critical behavioral sign that someone needs Schizoaffective Disorder treatment. They may experience sudden, intense, and unexpected changes in their mood or emotion, such as extreme sadness, fear, or anger. They may also experience episodes of elevated or irritable mood, which is highly unusual for them.

Self-Isolation

Schizoaffective Disorder can cause people to avoid social situations or withdraw from social relationships, leading to self-isolation. They may stop hanging out with friends or performing their regular activities, which can cause a decline in their mental health. They may also find it challenging to manage their daily responsibilities, such as going to work or school.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse and Schizoaffective Disorder often co-occur, which makes it challenging to diagnose and treat the condition. People with SAD may use drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the symptoms of their disorder. However, substance abuse can worsen the symptoms and lead to addiction.

Physical Signs Someone Needs Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment

Changes in Mood and Behavior

Individuals with Schizoaffective Disorder may experience drastic changes in their mood and behavior. They may have frequent outbursts of anger or become overly anxious or fearful, making it difficult for them to interact with others. They may also become more withdrawn from social activities and isolate themselves from friends and family. These changes in mood and behavior can be indicative of a more severe underlying issue that needs to be addressed through treatment.

Difficulties with Concentration and Memory

Schizoaffective Disorder can impact a person’s cognitive functioning, making it difficult for them to concentrate on tasks or remember important details. These difficulties can lead to problems at work or school and contribute to feelings of frustration, depression, or anxiety. If someone is experiencing problems with memory or concentration, it may be a physical sign that they need treatment for Schizoaffective Disorder.

Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors

Schizoaffective Disorder can cause severe emotional distress and may lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If someone is exhibiting suicidal tendencies, it is essential to seek immediate professional help. Treatment can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, reducing the risk of self-harm.

Psychotic Symptoms

Individuals with Schizoaffective Disorder may experience psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, or disordered thinking. These symptoms can cause significant distress and affect a person’s ability to function in daily life. If someone is experiencing psychotic symptoms, it is vital to seek treatment immediately. Treatment can help manage symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life.

Main Types of Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective Disorder is a complex and challenging illness that affects every aspect of a person’s life. It is classified as a combination of two mental health disorders; schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Here are the subtypes of Schizoaffective Disorder:

• Bipolar-type Schizoaffective Disorder is characterized by a combination of psychosis symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking, along with symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as manic episodes, depressive episodes, and mood swings. Symptoms of bipolar-type Schizoaffective Disorder can range from mild to severe. A person experiencing a manic episode may feel euphoric, grandiose, and full of energy, while a depressive episode can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and lack of interest in daily activities. 
• Depressive-type Schizoaffective Disorder is characterized by a combination of psychosis symptoms and significant depressive episodes. A person experiencing depressive-type Schizoaffective Disorder may feel sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. Psychosis symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, which can make it challenging to manage depression.
• Mixed-type Schizoaffective Disorder is characterized by a combination of psychosis symptoms and symptoms of both mania and depression. A person experiencing mixed-type Schizoaffective Disorder may have symptoms of high energy and impulsivity, along with sadness and hopelessness. This can make it challenging to manage symptoms, as treatments for mania and depression often differ.
• Unspecified type Schizoaffective Disorder is the least specified type of Schizoaffective Disorder, as it does not fit into any of the other three categories. It is characterized by a combination of psychosis symptoms and episodes of mood disturbance, but the exact symptoms can vary from person to person. 

What Our Schizophrenia Treatment Includes

Southern Live Oak Wellness provides various treatments for Schizoaffective Disorder in Atlanta. Each is licensed by the state of Georgia. 

Medication Education

Medication is usually the first line of defense in treating Schizoaffective Disorder. At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we provide you with detailed information about the medications prescribed, their potential side effects, dosage, and their interaction with other medications that you might be taking. Education about medication ensures better adherence and fewer medication-related issues.

Stabilization and Management

Every individual’s symptoms and causes are different. Understanding the triggers that cause your symptoms and managing them plays a significant role in recovery. At Southern Live Oak Wellness, our team of experienced mental health professionals will customize a stabilization and management plan that is tailored to your needs. Through psychoeducation, counseling, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, we help you identify and manage triggers and symptoms effectively.

Life Skills

Living with Schizoaffective Disorder requires learning several skills that are vital for daily living. For example, time management, coping strategies, self-care, and setting realistic goals. Life skills empower you to make informed decisions, lead a purposeful life, and build self-confidence. Our life skills workshops will provide you with these essential skills.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Techniques

Stress, anxiety, and depression can make it challenging to participate in everyday activities and enjoy life pleasures. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques help you accept all inner experiences, including negative ones, to let go of struggle and move forward. ACT helps you reconnect with positive aspects of life and work towards your goals in a meaningful way.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative Therapy helps you to explore and change the stories you tell about yourself and how these stories are impacting your life. The process involves externalizing problems, reflecting and amplifying important events, and reconstructing stories in a more positive and productive light. Narrative therapy helps you to break free from negative self-talk and make meaningful changes in your life.

Experience Our Inpatient Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment in Atlanta, GA 

Regain control of your life today at Southern Live Oak Wellness in Atlanta, Georgia. Contact us to start recovery today.