Schizoaffective Disorder

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Medical Treatment for Schizoaffective Disorder

"Drug Holidays" From Antipsychotic Medications

It was once thought that patients should take a "drug holiday" by periodically stopping their antipsychotic drugs for a few weeks every year. This practice is no longer recommended. Research has shown that these "drug holidays" increase the risk of relapse of schizoaffective disorder, as well as increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia.

Antidepressant Medications for Schizoaffective Disorder

The older (tricyclic) antidepressants often worsen schizoaffective disorder. However, the newer (serotonergic) antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, trazodone) have dramatically benefited many apathetic or depressed schizoaffective patients.

Antianxiety Drugs for Schizoaffective Disorder

Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, clonazepam) often can dramatically reduce the agitation and anxiety of schizoaffective patients. This is often especially true for those suffering from catatonic excitement or stupor. Clonazepam also is an effective treatment for akathisia.

When Not To Use Antipsychotic Drugs

Development of a Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is an absolute contraindiction to the use of antipsychotic drugs. Likewise, development of severe tardive dyskinesia is a contraindication to the use of all antipsychotic drugs, except clozapine (Clozaril) and reserpine.

Lithium for Schizoaffective Disorder

If the patient does not respond to antipsychotic treatment alone, lithium may be added for 2 to 3 months on a trial basis. Combined lithium-antipsychotic drug therapy is helpful in a significant percentage of patients.

Anticonvulsants for Schizoaffective Disorder

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The addition of carbamazepine, clonazepam, or valproate to antipsychotic drug refractory schizoaffective patients has been reported to sometimes be effective. This benefit is more often seen in patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Acute psychotic agitation or catatonia often responds to clonazepam.

Other Drugs

The use of megavitamins and special diets have apparently little or no effect for schizoaffective patients.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Schizoaffective Disorder

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used effectively in small percentage of schizoaffective patients, particularly those of the catatonic subtype. Patients with an illness duration of less than 1 year are most responsive. This therapy offers little hope for lasting improvement in chronic schizoaffective patients.

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