LIVING WITH Schizo-Affective
Being schizo-affective is like having manic depression and schizophrenia at the same time. It has a quality all its own though which is harder to pin down.
Manic depression is characterized by a cycle of one’s mood between the opposite extremes of depression and a euphoric state called mania. Schizophrenia is characterized by such disturbances in thought as visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Schizoaffectives get to experience the best of both worlds, with disturbances in both thought and mood. (Mood is referred to clinically as “affect”, the clinical name for manic depression is “bipolar affective disorder”.)
People who are manic tend to make a lot of bad decisions. It is common to spend money irresponsibly, make bold sexual advances or to have affairs, quit one’s job or get fired, or drive cars recklessly.
The excitement that manic people feel can be deceptively attractive to others who are then often conned into the belief that one is doing just fine — in fact they are often quite happy to see one “doing so well”. Their enthusiasm then reinforces one’s disturbed behaviour.
Manic depression is characterized by a cycle of one’s mood between the opposite extremes of depression and a euphoric state called mania. Schizophrenia is characterized by such disturbances in thought as visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. Schizoaffectives get to experience the best of both worlds, with disturbances in both thought and mood. (Mood is referred to clinically as “affect”, the clinical name for manic depression is “bipolar affective disorder”.)
People who are manic tend to make a lot of bad decisions. It is common to spend money irresponsibly, make bold sexual advances or to have affairs, quit one’s job or get fired, or drive cars recklessly.
The excitement that manic people feel can be deceptively attractive to others who are then often conned into the belief that one is doing just fine — in fact they are often quite happy to see one “doing so well”. Their enthusiasm then reinforces one’s disturbed behaviour.
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Hello, the sun may be setting on the day, but the learning never ends. My oldest daughter was diagnosed last year with Schizo-Affective, this comes after years of being misdiagnosed. I put last years journey in a book, and saved the beginning for here.
SCHIZO-AFFECTIVE BRAIN
This is how the brain of a person with Schizo-Affective thinks, sees, hears and feels. I thought a visual aid will help others understand what is going on in their childs head.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCESI need your stories of survival through your hardest moments. PLEASE EMAIL STORIES TO [email protected]
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TIPSI need your tips on how to handle the mood swings that come with Schizo-Affective.
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Emotional Disturbances
Unusual or inappropriate thoughts or feelings.
Sadness or depression.
Fears associated with emotional conditions.
An inability to form or keep relationships.
Sadness or depression.
Fears associated with emotional conditions.
An inability to form or keep relationships.
Self Control, Inner Conflicts
Hand holding wrist or arm
Suppressed gestures or fist clenched and hidden in pocket.
Hand to mouth in astonishment or fear (suppressed scream)
Blowing nose, and coughing (disguised tears)