Dear scardycat,

I think the previous posts have answered your question nicely, but I would also like to add a few words.

The reason I sought help from a psychiatrist for the very first time was because I was concerned that I was losing touch with reality - and that this could spell danger for my family (and myself).

I am a classic example of someone who has, over many years, been seriously damaged by schizoaffective disorder bipolar type. I take all my medication as prescribed, and do not touch alcohol.

Make no mistake, schizoaffective disorder is severe. It is a mind-altering, health-threatening, life-changing, education-stunting, career-ruining and relationship-wrecking S.O.B.

In my humble opinion, schizoaffective disorder is the most severe form of mental illness, in terms of its long-term damage to the brain. I have all the symptoms of schizophrenia, plus the additional symptoms of bipolar disorder 1 with psychotic features. I can look forward to a marked cognitive decline in the years ahead, over and above that which one would normally expect with advancing age.

There are no guarantees in this world. Sometimes people who are mentally ill will act violently against their loved ones - just as sometimes those who are not mentally ill will do.

Having said that, I do believe that the medication prescribed for schizoaffective disorder (mood stabilisers, anti-psychotics and antidepressants) do have a beneficial effect on a patient's ability to interact peacefully with those with whom he or she comes into contact.

I hope all goes well between you and your partner.