Schizoaffective Disorder Treatment

A person diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder might spend years in treatment before making progress. If that describes you, we empathize – and we understand how it happens. First, you receive a diagnosis for bipolar disorder, and when treatment doesn’t help, you receive a diagnosis for schizophrenia, but treatment doesn’t help that either. The result: you may lose faith in the entire diagnosis and treatment process. You may even question the possibility of recovery.

That’s where we can help.

We can restore your belief in treatment and rekindle your hope for long-term healing. Our experienced, expert clinical team at Crownview Psychiatric Institute specializes in supporting patients with challenging, hard-to-diagnose mental health conditions like schizoaffective disorder.

With our unique, innovative approach to complex diagnoses – called the Unified Protocol – we offer a real opportunity to meet your treatment goals, learn practical skills to manage your symptoms, reduce the disruption they cause, and put you on track to living a life you choose.

Treatment for Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder challenges treatment providers because patients often display overlapping symptoms of two types of mental health disorders – schizophrenia and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder (BD) and/or major depressive disorder (MDD).

There are two types of schizoaffective disorder: the manic, or bipolar type, and the depressive type.

Both types of schizoaffective disorder impact thought, mood, social function, and how a person experiences and perceives the world. Timely, accurate diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is essential: when misdiagnosed or untreated, schizoaffective disorder rarely resolves without professional treatment and support.

Impact of Untreated Schizoaffective Disorder

Untreated schizoaffective disorder can cause significant disruption, frustration, and complications in your life and the lives of your friends and loved ones. Symptoms can be completely debilitating. Without treatment, you may experience the following negative consequences:

• Difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships
• Suicidal behavior/self-harm
• Aggression behavior leading to legal problems
• Co-occurring mental health disorders
• Disordered use of alcohol and/or substances
• Inability to engage in basic self-care/healthy routines
• Impaired work/educational abilities
• Financial problems/difficulty establishing financial independence
• Homelessness
• Social isolation
• Health and medical problems

That’s why professional help and support is essential. If you’re a person diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, we know that in some cases, symptoms can make participating in the typical activities of daily life difficult or impossible.

We know you want treatment that moves you toward a life you choose, rather than one dominated by the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder.

With your commitment and effort, supported by an accurate diagnosis, an appropriate treatment plan, and our skilled clinical team, you can learn to manage your symptoms and reduce the disruption they cause. You can heal and grow – starting today.

Therapeutic Approaches at Crownview: Schizoaffective Disorder

At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, comprehensive care for schizoaffective disorder includes a combination of medication, therapy, adjunct services, educational workshops, and family/peer support. Since there are two types of schizoaffective disorder, we build your treatment plan around therapeutic components appropriate for each type.

Once we understand who you are, and we learn about your goals, strengths, and challenge areas, we design a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Your treatment plan will include a customized combination of the following therapeutic techniques and approaches:

Complementary/Expressive Therapies:

• Music therapy
• Wellness groups
• Meditation and breathwork
• Yoga
• Mindfulness
• Singing bowls

With the help of your treatment peers, therapists, and counselors, we teach you how to apply what you learn in treatment to your life, with the goal of improving your daily life. We prioritize creating an open, supportive atmosphere characterized by compassion and connection. We’re committed to building a welcoming, nurturing community dedicated to your healing, growth, and long-term recovery.

But how do you know what level of care you need?

Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Inpatient Residential Treatment: How to Decide

The level of care you need depends on several factors. In collaboration with your Crownview treatment team, you’ll identify the following:

1. The intensity of your symptoms.
2. The frequency and duration of your symptoms.
3. The level of disruption they cause in your daily life.

These factors – as well as your treatment history and practical logistical factors – will help you and our treatment team determine the appropriate level of care that best meets your short-term needs and long-term goals.

If your symptoms interfere with daily life and you’ve tried outpatient therapy and/or intensive outpatient therapy without making progress, it may be time to consider an immersive level of care, such as partial hospitalization treatment or inpatient residential treatment.

At Crownview Psychiatric Institute, we’ll meet you where you are, help you develop the skills you need to manage your symptoms, empower you to meet your treatment goals, and live life on your own terms.

Learn More Today

If you or someone you know experiences the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder or another mental health disorder, Crownview Psychiatric Institute may have the treatment you need. Contact us today to learn how we can help.