What is the pathophysiology of schizoaffective disorder?

The exact pathophysiology of schizoaffective disorder is unknown but may involve neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain. Abnormalities of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine could play a role in this disorder.

How does schizoaffective disorder develop?

Stressful events such as a death in the family, end of a marriage or loss of a job can trigger symptoms or an onset of the illness. Drug use. Psychoactive drugs such as LSD have been linked to the development of schizoaffective disorder.

How does the DSM 5 define schizoaffective disorder?

The specific DSM-5 criteria for schizoaffective disorder are as follows[1]: A. An uninterrupted duration of illness during which there is a major mood episode (manic or depressive) in addition to criterion A for schizophrenia; the major depressive episode must include depressed mood.

Which is characteristic of schizoaffective disorder?

People with schizoaffective disorder can have a wide variety of different symptoms, including having unusual perceptual experiences (hallucinations) or beliefs others do not share (delusions), mood (such as marked depression), low motivation, inability to experience pleasure, and poor attention.

What does the term pre Oedipal mean in psychoanalysis?

pre-Oedipal Quick Reference In psychoanalysis, pertaining to the period of psychosexual development before the development of the Oedipus complex, when attachment to the mother predominates in both sexes.

When does schizoaffective disorder overlap with bipolar disorder?

Because the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder overlap with those of bipolar or depressive disorder and schizophrenia, the condition can be difficult to diagnose. Schizoaffective disorder is diagnosed when there is a period of time with a major depressive or manic mood and, at the same time, at least two psychotic symptoms appear,…

Which is the best description of schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder. Overview. Schizoaffective disorder is a mental disorder in which a person experiences a combination of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression or mania.

How did Freud describe the Oedipal state of mind?

Freud had described the oedipal patient as struggling with sexual desire in the context of three people – the two parents and the child. It is a struggle mainly centred on managing conflict and competition. In the preoedipal realm the problems are more serious – they are about survival.