Brief Introduction to Schizoaffective disorder
What is Schizoaffective disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder is the amalgamation of schizophrenia and mood disorders, this is perhaps the reason why this specific condition is not as well defined as other mental disorders. People suffering from schizoaffective disorder are often found struggling in their personal and professional lives. Untreated patients find solace in isolation and tend to live lonely lives.
Brief History of Schizoaffective disorder
Jacob Kasanin in 1933 coined the term schizoaffective psychosis, before that this disease was treated as another mental disorder [1]. Since this disease is one of those rare mental disorders in which the patient suffers from both mood swings and schizophrenia, thus the doctors and psychiatrists initially thought it to be another form of schizophrenia. Kasanin was the first person who claimed it to be a special disorder as he thought that this mental condition of patient lied somewhere in between schizophrenia and mood disorder.
How Schizoaffective Disorder Works
Person suffering from schizoaffective disorder is accustomed of having paranoid thoughts and confusions which leads to delusions and hallucinations. Patients have also reported that their thoughts are pretty much disorganized due to which they tend to speak quickly and abruptly in order to overcome their confusions. Depression is another major symptom of schizoaffective disorder that affects the social life of the patient.
Current treatment options for Schizoaffective Disorder
Treatment of Mental Illness before modern medicine.
Doctors usually prescribe therapy and medication in order to overcome depression and mood swings.
Once the patient gets rid of his depression then the process of psychotherapy and counseling starts, which helps the patient come out of his shell. Antidepressants are also recommended by some psychiatrists but should be used carefully.
7 tips to help manage schizoaffective disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a common mental disorder nowadays and can easily be cured following few simple techniques.
- Antidepressants help the patient get out of depression and also help with the mood swings. These are also found helpful in overcoming feelings of hopelessness and sadness.
- If the patient is having trouble with delusions and hallucinations then antipsychotics are the best solution. Doctors usually prescribe these to the patients who found it difficult to fight absurd thoughts and weird notions. These although prove mighty helpful but should only be used if prescribed by a specialist.
- Mood stabilizers also help if the patient is suffering from bi-polar mental disorder. As the patient goes through different phases of depression and mania, thus these mood stabilizers help the patient stay normal.
- Family counseling is an integral part of treatment of schizoaffective disorder as the patient trusts only few people, thus support from family can help patient recover quickly.
- Group therapy is also advised by some doctors as the patients get to know each other and easily open to people that are suffering from same disorder thus patients recover speedily if they attend regular sessions.
- Counseling is another remedy for this particular disorder and is found to be effective as the specialists use number of techniques which help in the fast recovery of patient.
- Patient himself/herself needs to show courage and should have a strong conviction which will help them come out of this trauma quickly.
References:
1. Schizoaffective disorder, [Available at]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizoaffective_disorder#History
Robert Downey Jr. – Actor, Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse and Mental Illness
Introduction
Born 4 April 1965 Robert Downey Jr made his screen debut at age five in the movie Pound directed and produced by his father. Described as an art house movie, this was the environment Downey grew up in surrounded by the stars of the time, witness to their antics and behaviors. His mother also an actress instilled in him a love of acting, a counterpoint to his father’s more bohemian approach to life.
His father’s influence was to have a lasting effect on Downey; when at age six Robert Downey Sr gave him his first experience of using marijuana which was to set him on his path of self-destruction.
When talking about his childhood Downey has been reported as saying I don’t want to go all Michael Jackson on you, but I never really had a childhood.
Robert Downey Jr always knew he wanted to act, when his parents separated at age thirteen; he followed his father to New York, and then returning to Hollywood to pursue his own career.
The Early Years
Robert Downey Jr started his career like many aspiring actors playing bit parts that largely went uncredited. Through the 1970’s and 80’s he began compiling a creditable portfolio of work.
His most noted role during this time was in Saturday Night live. In 1987 he starred in the movie Less Than Zero, portraying a young drug addicted male. Little did anyone know how closely art would imitate life.
Air America (1990) along side Mel Gibson (who has had his own battles with drug and alcohol addiction), propelled Robert Downey Jr further into the limelight and was the beginning of a life long respect and friendship with Gibson.
Even as his fame grew through his work on Ally McBeal it was most notably during this period Downey’s addiction to drugs became public knowledge through Downey himself who’s behaviour had become erratic and unpredictable.
Drugs and Mental Illness
As his drug addiction grew, so did the unpredictability of his behaviour. It has been recorded and documented in various forms of media the trouble Downey got himself in, including breaking into a neighbors’ house and falling asleep in their son’s bed, wandering around streets in a drugged state and even driving a car naked in possession of drugs and an unloaded handgun.
April 2001 after yet another arrest Downey was sent by court order to the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, in accordance with the newly passed California Proposition 36, which allowed non-violent drug offenders to go into rehabilitation rather than prison.
During an interview about his drug habits Downey is reported to have described his drug taking activities as a kind of emotional bond between father and son – something they shared together.
Rumors have circulated over time that Downey also suffered depression and Bi-Polar disorder; these claims are purported to have been made by his Stepmother and a psychiatrist who Downey supposedly rang for assistance. Robert Downey Jr himself has personally refuted these claims and to this time they remain unverified.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Robert Downey Jr attributes the failure of his relationships and two marriages to his drug addiction.
In 2003 after completing his rehabilitation Robert Downey Jr. once again returned to acting in the movie Gothika. It was while filming this movie that he met and married his third and current wife Susan. It is believed by many and by Downey himself she was paramount in bringing about change by providing him with a stable home life. The couple now has two children together and Downey has been reunited with his older son from one of his previous marriages.
Believed to have been drug free since 2003 Downey credited support of his friends and family, meditation, yoga, therapy and a twelve-step recovery program for his drug free state. When asked about his time in prison/rehabilitation Downey had this to say, ‘I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone else, but it was very very educational for me, and has informed my proclivities and politics ever since’. Downey is also on the board of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition.
November 2004 saw Robert Downey Jr do an interview with Oprah where he spoke to her about his decision to finally get help and kick his drug habit. During the interview he discussed how in the end the decision to get help was actually harder than asking for the help in the first place.
Conclusion
Many options including counselling and various forms of therapy are available to assist anyone who suffers with drug and alcohol addiction. Robert Downey Jr. has taught us that one of the best things a person can do when battling inner demons, is too seek professional help. The other road of drugs and alcohol may seem like the instant fix we want, but it will only end up hurting you more. If you or someone you know needs to speak to someone about drug related mental illness, Bipolar Disorder or other mental illnesses; know that we at AB Consultation and Counselling Service are always here to help you on your road to recovery.
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Brief Introduction to Bipolar disorder
This article gives a brief overview of Bipolar Disorder, a, find out more about Bipolar Disorder at our Public Health Information Session 'Bipolar & Depression' 7:00pm 30th June 2015.
History of Bipolar Disorder
Whilst manic and depressed moods have been observed throughout human history, it was not until the mid-19th century that researchers slowly started putting together the bipolar puzzle. Jules Baillarger, a French neurologist, described a biphasic mental illness that saw sufferers move between periods of mania and depression; he called this condition folie à double forme or dual form insanity. Meanwhile in Germany, Emil Kraepelin coined the term ‘Manic Depressive Psychosis’, describing how untreated bipolar patients displayed periods of acute depression or mania, followed by periods of mostly symptom-free normality. It wasn’t until the 1950s, when German psychiatrists Karl Kleist and Karl Leonhard, coined the term ‘Bipolar’ as a sub-classification of manic-depressive reactions.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder currently has four disorders along the Bipolar Disorder Spectrum, they are:
- Bipolar 1 Disorder
Bipolar 1 Disorder is characterized by at least one manic or mixed episode and usually involves extreme/more severe mood episodes, ranging between manic and depressive episodes. Psychotic episodes may also be present. - Bipolar 2 Disorders
Bipolar 2 Disorder is characterized by the presence of at least one major depressive episode and at least one episode of hypomania (a milder version of mania). - Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder is a bipolar disorder describing hypomanic episodes with brief periods of less severe/long lasting depression. - Bipolar Disorders not otherwise specified
Bipolar Disorders not otherwise specified is a condition which does not fall neatly into the above 3 conditions, but still has some symptoms of the Bipolar Disorder (mania and/or depressed episodes).
Bipolar Disorder’s High or Manic Episodes
Manic episodes are periods characterized by elevated and/or irritated moods. These periods are the manic ‘highs’ of bipolar disorder and usually last from a couple of days to a week. Whilst in one of these manic episodes, a person may feel a sense of euphoria and boundless energy. This is further expressed through their rapid speech, racing thoughts and their lack of a desire to sleep. Other common elements of manic episodes include the sufferer being less concerned with what others think of them and the engagement of inappropriate or risky behaviours. Psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking & speech are also possible during a manic episode.
The experiences of a manic episode can be quite scary for some sufferers, whilst others find them very enjoyable (as said before, they feel really high). The latter is a great concern, as sufferers are less likely to seek help, as they don’t feel that there is anything wrong.
Bipolar Disorder’s Lows or Depressive Episodes
The lows of Bipolar Disorder are the depressive episodes; and as the name suggests, they are quite unpleasant. Whilst in a depressive episode, a person may have feelings of lowered mood; such as irritability, sadness, and tearfulness. They may experience a loss of interest in otherwise enjoyable activities and have lowered motivation and energy. Changes in a person’s appetite, weight and sleeping patterns; also occur. They may also have feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and have issues with concentration & memory. Thoughts about suicide are also not uncommon whilst in a depressive episode.
This has been a brief introduction to Bipolar Disorder, a condition that affects 51 million people worldwide, and over 285,000 Australians. If you found this interesting and you want to learn more, then be sure to purchase your ticket for our Bipolar and Depression Seminar; hosted on 30th June 2015 at 7:00pm.
Clinical Director, Anneke Bull is providing an in-depth presentation about Bipolar and Depression. Anneke Bull spent over 30 years working in the public mental healthcare system and she has seen it all.
So if you are interested in learning more about the interesting world of Bipolar and Depression, then you won’t want to miss out on this presentation.
Carrie Fisher - Actress, Author, Bipolar Disorder
Carrie Fisher is a talented actress who will always be remembered as Princess Leia from the Star Wars. While her fans saw her as an intergalatic princess taking on the likes of Vader, for Carrie Fisher, he battle between the light & dark side came in the form of Bipolar Disorder. Learn More...
Carrie Fisher is a talented actress who has played many parts since she first starred opposite Warren Beatty in Shampoo.
For many people, however, she was and always will be Princess Leia from the Star Wars franchise that made such a big hit in the 1970's.
While her fans see her as an intergalactic princess who is capable of taking on anything that comes her way, for much of her life Carrie Fisher has struggled with bipolar disorder.
Some of Fisher's other big hits in cinema include Austin Powers, The Blues Brothers, and When Harry Met Sally. She also revealed her talent as an author when she published Postcard from the Edge in 1987. Since then she has written three more books, Surrender the Pink, Delusions of Grandma, and Wishful Drinking. The last was most recently turned into a one woman play that Fisher says she still hasn't been able to watch, even though she knows that living it was tougher.
Carrie Fisher was originally diagnosed as an alcoholic and a drug addict. She went into rehab, but while the others in her group showed improvement, her condition only got worse as she sobered up. But while Fisher says that her drinking was a problem, it was actually her solution to the problems caused by her bipolar disorder.
When unmedicated, Fisher reports that she tends to be more manic than depressive. She said that the mania would make her very impatient because she was moving faster than everyone around her. She told WebMD that she felt "out of step with the world" (1). She understands people who turn to drugs to escape their own mental disorders because she knows that sometimes you just do whatever it takes to escape how you're feeling at the moment.
Fisher doesn't like to think about how her illness has affected her career because it cannot be changed. She told the Herald-Tribune that the only thing you can do is "cross your fingers and hope you don't get gobsmacked by it in the middle of something."(2).
She still feels that there is a stigma attached to mental disorders, as well as some treatments associated with it. She openly discusses her shock treatment in her memoirs, which is particularly uncomfortable for most people. She has hope that the stigma is fading, more in some parts of the world than others, and that awareness is growing.
For those suffering from bipolar disorder, medication can make a big difference. There is no need to feel ashamed or to refuse treatment. Fisher is accepting her role as the poster child for this disorder by refusing to let it define her, which is important for anyone with the same condition to remember. Her advice for anyone who is afraid of pursuing their dreams because of their disorder is to "stay afraid, but do it anyways."(2).
There is always help available for those suffering from bipolar or any other mental illness. If you need help, contact AB Consultation & Counselling Services to speak to a caring counselor.