How is schizoaffective disorder treated? List of medications

When you live with schizoaffective disorder, you are likely to experience a combination of the condition’s characteristic symptoms of psychosis and mood disorders. 

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), the official symptoms of schizoaffective disorder include:

• Delusions: holding onto persistent beliefs about people and the world despite evidence to the contrary
• Hallucinations: hearing, sensing, smelling, tasting, or seeing things that others in the same situation do not experience
• Disorganized thinking: having trouble organizing thoughts, speaking clearly, or expressing ideas
• Atypical motor behavior: engaging in unusual movements, repetitive actions, or staying motionless for long periods
• Other symptoms: difficulty experiencing or expressing emotions, low motivation, social withdrawal, and finding it hard to enjoy things

You may also experience shifting mood symptoms, similar to those in bipolar disorder. These may include alternating episodes of depression and high energy and excitement (mania).

While there is no known cure for schizoaffective disorder, treatment is available and symptom relief is possible.

List of medications for schizoaffective disorder

Medications for schizoaffective disorder aim to stabilize your mood, reduce symptoms of psychosis, and improve overall functioning.

While some medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for schizoaffective disorder, health professionals may also prescribe off-label drugs like aripiprazole (Abilify).

The term “off-label” means these drugs were created to treat other conditions, but clinical settings and research may have indicated they are beneficial for some people with different disorders.

Only a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, may be able to provide an accurate diagnosis and determine which drugs may help with your symptoms.

Common medications for schizoaffective disorder may include:

Antipsychotics

A doctor may prescribe antipsychotic medications to manage psychotic symptoms. These medications block certain neurotransmitters in the brain, helping reduce the chance you experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. 

Commonly prescribed antipsychotics for schizoaffective disorder include:

• Risperidone (Risperdal): Risperidone effectively manages both symptoms of psychosis and mood disorders. It may reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thoughts, as well as reduce the frequency of mood shifts. It is available in oral and injectable forms. Side effects may include drowsiness and unwanted weight changes.
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Olanzapine treats both psychotic symptoms and mood disturbances. It may reduce hallucinations, delusions, and alternating moods. Olanzapine comes in oral and injectable forms. Side effects may include weight gain, sedation, and metabolic issues.
• Quetiapine (Seroquel): Quetiapine may have a mood-stabilizing effect for some people with schizoaffective disorder. It may help manage both psychotic and mood symptoms. It comes in extended-release and immediate-release formulations. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Mood stabilizers

Mood stabilizing medications may help you manage symptoms of depression and mania.

Commonly prescribed mood stabilizers for schizoaffective disorder include:

• Lithium (Lithobid): Lithium may help stabilize mood, reduce relapse risk, and decrease the intensity of manic and depressive symptoms. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor lithium levels to ensure efficacy and avoid toxicity. Possible side effects may include tremors, increased thirst, and weight gain.
• Divalproex (Depakote): Divalproex helps stabilize mood by reducing manic and depressive symptoms. Doctors may want to combine divalproex with antipsychotics. Divalproex comes in delayed-release and extended-release formulations. Side effects may include nausea and vomiting, headache, and dizziness.

Antidepressants

Some people with schizoaffective disorder may experience more severe depression symptoms. If this is your case, your healthcare team may prescribe antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to reduce the chance of depressive episodes. You may also receive this prescription if you experience anxiety symptoms.

Commonly prescribed SSRIs for schizoaffective disorder include:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac): Fluoxetine may help improve mood, reduce depressive symptoms, and prevent relapse. It is available in various forms, including tablets and capsules. Side effects may include nausea, headache, and sexual challenges.
• Sertraline (Zoloft): Sertraline may help you manage depressive and anxiety symptoms. Side effects may include dizziness, diarrhea, and nausea.

Your mental health professional may want to do an extensive clinical examination to determine the most suitable medications for your schizoaffective disorder symptoms.

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Psychotherapy for schizoaffective disorder

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, involves a therapeutic relationship with a trained mental health professional. It is a collaborative process that aims to improve your mental health and sense of well-being by addressing psychological challenges, emotional difficulties, and behavioral patterns.

Psychotherapy for schizoaffective disorder helps you manage symptoms, enhance coping strategies, and improve overall well-being. The best types of psychotherapy for schizoaffective disorder may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and challenge distorted thoughts and behaviors associated with schizoaffective disorder. It aims to develop more beneficial thinking and coping methods, reducing stress and anxiety.
• Family-focused therapy (FFT): Involving your family members in your treatment may help you feel supported. This type of therapy aims to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and manage symptoms collectively.

Summary

Schizoaffective disorder is often treated following a comprehensive approach that combines medication and psychotherapy.

Common medications for schizoaffective disorder may include antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants. 

Psychotherapy, including CBT and family-focused therapy, may help you develop coping strategies, improve functioning, and enhance overall well-being.

By working closely with a healthcare professional, you can effectively manage schizoaffective disorder and improve your quality of life.

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