However, they are two different disorders, each with its own diagnostic criteria and treatment.

Disorganized thoughts and speechinclude unusual, illogical, or disconnected thoughts that make it difficult to communicate ideas coherently.

With each of these disorders, the person also lacks insight into these perceptual problems and false beliefs.

Causes

Researchers do not know exactly what causes schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

They believe that there are a number of different factors involved.

Genetics are believed to play a role in increasing a person’s risk for developing either condition.

Treatment

It is important to distinguish between these two conditions because treatments for each differ.

Most people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia have a chronic and persistent course of illness.

Thetreatment of schizophreniarelies mostly on a special group of prescription medications calledantipsychotics.

These include older antipsychotic medications like Haldol (haloperidol) and Thorazine (chlorpromazine).

Maintenance treatment for schizophrenia almost always includes an antipsychotic medication.

Both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are typically treated with antipsychotic medications.

Schizoaffective disorder is also treated with antidepressants or mood stabilizers.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

However, it is possible to improve treatment outcomes and prognosis by getting help as early as possible.

Prompt treatment can help reduce symptom severity and frequency.

It can also minimize the detrimental effects that symptoms may have on a person’s life and relationships.

Psychotherapyandskills trainingcan also be beneficial when used alongside medication.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

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Greenberg WM, Citrome L.Paliperidone palmitate for schizoaffective disorder: A review of the clinical evidence.Neurol Ther.

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