What Are the Treatments for Bipolar Schizo-Affective Disorder?

Bipolar schizo-affective disorder affects approximately .2 to .5 percent of all people, reports the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The condition causes a combination of the alternating periods mania and depression seen in bipolar patients and delusions and hallucinations experienced by people with schizophrenia.

Function

• The function of treatment for schizo-affective disorder is to treat the immediate psychological symptoms of the disease, while you learn to deal with and control your behavior and emotions in order to prevent the likelihood of symptoms in the future.

Identification

• Treatment for bipolar schizo-affective disorder typically involves a combination of medications and therapy.

Types of Medications

• Medications used to treat bipolar schizo-affective disorder include antipsychotics to treat the delusions and hallucinations, such as clozapine, risperidone and olanzapine. To stabilize moods and prevent highs and lows, doctors prescribe medications like lithium and divalproex, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Risks

• Side effects of the medications used to treat bipolar schizo-affective disorder include weight gain and excessive sleepiness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Some drugs also pose a risk for the development of diabetes.

Features

• Psychotherapy and counseling help you understand your illness, express your feelings and develop ways to handle real life situations to limit your symptoms. Group or family therapy can also decrease your feelings of isolation, according to the Mayo Clinic.