Like most psychiatric disorders, diagnosis is based on clinical features. Most physicians will also perform laboratory tests to ensure that the effects are not due to illicit drugs or any other medical disorder like HIV, temporal lobe epilepsy, hypothyroidism or prolonged steroid usage.
Individuals with schizoaffective disorder usually require both medications and psychotherapy. Both anti psychotics and mood stabilizing drugs are used to treat these individuals. Psychotherapy can help diminish distorted or negative thoughts, improve social skills and boost self-confidence. Family or group therapy has been found to be more effective in helping people deal with real life issues. Family group therapies also provide a decrease in social isolation and helps maintain a check on the psychotic episodes.
The overall prognosis for patients with schizoaffective disorder is better than those with schizophrenia but treatment is life long. Unfortunately, most people tend to develop severe depression or mania and eventually become non-complaint with therapy. Many end up with legal problems and remain confined to psychiatric facilities.
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