Treatment For Dual Diagnosis Schizoaffective Disorder and Substance Abuse | Brooks Healing Center
Amanda Stevens
Schizoaffective disorder is a complicated mental illness that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders. People with this diagnosis experience a range of challenges, including hallucinations, delusions, and significant mood episodes such as mania or depression. Substance abuse often co-occurs with schizoaffective disorder, as some people attempt to self-medicate or cope with their symptoms through drugs or alcohol. This combination can exacerbate both conditions, leading to an increased risk of harmful behaviors.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Schizoaffective disorder combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders, leading to both psychotic and significant mood episodes.
- Substance abuse often exacerbates schizoaffective disorder, triggering or worsening psychotic and mood symptoms.
- Brooks Healing Center in Tennessee offers a comprehensive treatment approach, including detoxification, residential care, and a range of therapeutic modalities tailored for dual diagnoses.
- Treatment options at Brooks Healing Center include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Experiential Therapy, Trauma-informed Care, Brainspotting (BSP), and 12-Step Programs.
What is Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that combines features of both schizophrenia and mood disorders (such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder).[1] People with this diagnosis experience symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions, alongside significant mood episodes like mania or depression. The disorder typically starts in early adulthood and can cause significant impairment in day-to-day life. There are two main types of schizoaffective disorder:[2]
- Bipolar type, characterized by manic episodes: This subtype of schizoaffective disorder is marked by the presence of manic episodes alongside symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions or hallucinations. The mood disturbances include periods of elevated or irritable mood, excessive energy, and heightened activity levels.
- Depressive type, marked by major depressive episodes: This subtype of schizoaffective disorder is defined by the occurrence of major depressive episodes along with schizophrenia-like symptoms. People with the depressive type experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in daily activities.
In both cases, psychotic symptoms may persist even when mood symptoms are not present.
Drug Addiction and Schizoaffective Disorder
Combining drug and alcohol use with schizoaffective disorder can present several unique challenges. People with schizoaffective disorder may be more vulnerable to developing substance use problems, while drug abuse can exacerbate the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder. Drug use can significantly worsen the course of schizoaffective disorder.[3] Substances can trigger or intensify psychotic episodes, making hallucinations and delusions more severe or frequent. They can also destabilize mood, potentially inducing manic episodes or deepening depressive states. Additionally, drug use can interfere with the effectiveness of psychiatric medications, making it more difficult to achieve symptom stability. The combination of these two conditions can create an ongoing cycle. As substance use worsens schizoaffective symptoms, a person may feel an increased need to self-medicate, leading to more severe addiction. This cycle can result in more frequent hospitalizations, greater difficulty in maintaining employment or relationships, and an overall decline in functioning.
How Common is Schizoaffective Disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is relatively uncommon as a diagnosis, although it’s important to note that the disorder is also among the most frequently misdiagnosed psychiatric conditions.[4] This high rate of misdiagnosis can be attributed to its overlapping symptoms with other mental health conditions, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, making accurate assessment challenging even for experienced clinicians. Despite the diagnostic challenges, available data suggests that schizoaffective disorder is relatively rare in the general population. It’s estimated to affect about 0.3 percent of Americans, which translates to approximately 3 in every 1,000 people.[5] Interestingly, there appears to be a gender disparity in the prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by gender, with recent studies showing that the condition occurs more frequently in women than in men.
Are There Risk Factors for Schizoaffective Disorder?
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing schizoaffective disorder, though the exact causes remain difficult to pinpoint.[6] Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as having a family history of schizophrenia or mood disorders can elevate your risk. Biological factors also contribute, with imbalances in brain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, potentially influencing the development of the disorder. Environmental factors, including prenatal exposure to toxins, complications during birth, or early-life stressors, may further heighten susceptibility. Additionally, trauma or significant life stressors during critical developmental periods can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. While these risk factors do not guarantee the onset of schizoaffective disorder, they can potentially increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Treatment Options in Tennessee for Co-Occurring Schizoaffective Disorder and Addiction
People seeking treatment programs for co-occurring schizoaffective disorder and substance use disorders (SUD) have several options – and Brooks Healing Center offers comprehensive care to help you heal. We provide both detoxification services and residential care, ensuring a full continuum of treatment for those who are struggling. Brooks also employs a range of evidence-based and innovative therapeutic modalities to address the unique challenges of co-occurring disorders:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This foundational approach helps patients identify and modify harmful thought patterns and behaviors associated with both schizoaffective disorder and addiction.
- Experiential Therapy: By engaging patients in activities that go beyond traditional talk therapy, this approach can provide new insights and coping mechanisms.
- Trauma-informed Care: Recognizing the frequent role of trauma in both mental health and addiction, this approach ensures all aspects of treatment are sensitive to patients’ past experiences.
- Brainspotting (BSP): This therapeutic technique can be particularly effective in processing trauma and negative emotions that may fuel both schizoaffective symptoms and substance use.
- 12-Step Program: Adapted to address the unique needs of those with schizoaffective disorder, this time-tested approach to addiction recovery is incorporated into the treatment plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Schizoaffective Disorder and Addiction Treatment Centers
How does schizoaffective disorder differ from schizophrenia?
Schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia share similar symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, but they are distinct conditions. The key difference is that schizoaffective disorder also includes significant mood disturbances, either manic or depressive, that occur alongside the psychotic symptoms.
In contrast, schizophrenia primarily involves psychotic symptoms without a prominent mood component. This means that schizoaffective disorder involves a combination of both psychotic and mood symptoms, whereas schizophrenia is more focused on psychotic experiences, making the treatment approach and management strategies different for each condition.
What are the risks of untreated schizoaffective disorder?
Untreated schizoaffective disorder poses significant risks, including worsening of symptoms and a decline in overall functioning. Individuals may experience increased psychotic episodes, severe mood disturbances, and greater difficulty maintaining relationships and fulfilling daily responsibilities. Untreated schizoaffective disorder can also lead to self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or dangerous behavior due to impaired judgment and heightened distress.
Additionally, the chronic nature of untreated symptoms can contribute to a higher likelihood of developing substance abuse issues, as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and cope with their symptoms.
What is dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment refers to the integrated approach of addressing both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder simultaneously (also known as co-occurring disorder or comorbidity). This method is crucial for those with conditions like schizoaffective disorder combined with substance abuse, as treating one condition without addressing the other can lead to poor outcomes and an increased risk of relapse. Dual diagnosis treatment involves a coordinated care plan that includes psychiatric and psychological therapies, medication management, and support for substance abuse. The goal is to provide comprehensive care that addresses the complexities of both disorders, improving the likelihood of effective recovery and long-term stability.
Are there specialized treatment programs for treating schizoaffective disorder and substance abuse?
Yes, there are specialized programs and treatment facilities designed to treat schizoaffective disorder and substance abuse. These programs often offer integrated care that addresses both conditions simultaneously. They include a range of services, such as psychiatric evaluation, psychotherapy, and substance abuse treatment. Specialized programs may also provide additional support, such as vocational training, family counseling, and case management, to help people manage the complex interplay of their mental health and substance use issues. The aim is to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of individuals with dual diagnoses, promoting a more effective and comprehensive approach to recovery.
What are the benefits of inpatient treatment for schizoaffective disorder and substance abuse?
Inpatient treatment offers several benefits for those with schizoaffective disorder and substance abuse, including a structured and controlled environment that minimizes external stressors and triggers. This setting provides 24/7 medical and psychological support, which is crucial for managing severe symptoms and preventing relapse. Inpatient programs allow for intensive therapeutic interventions in a safe and supportive setting. The immersive nature of inpatient treatment can also help individuals focus solely on their recovery, away from the distractions and pressures of daily life, leading to more significant progress in managing both their mental health and substance abuse issues.
Sources
[1][6] Mayo Clinic. (2019, November 9). Schizoaffective disorder – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizoaffective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354504 on August 29, 2024
[2] Schizoaffective disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics. (n.d.). Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/schizoaffective-disorder/ on August 29, 2024
[3] Archibald, L. (2019). Alcohol use disorder and schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 40(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6927747/ on August 29, 2024
[4] Joshua, T., & Saadabadi, A. (2023). Schizoaffective Disorder. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541012/ on August 29, 2024
[5] Schizoaffective Disorder. (n.d.). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/schizoaffective-disorder on August 29, 2024