[scardycat]

Ive just found out my partner of 15yrs on and off has be told by his doctors he has Schizoaffective Disorder. When he has his eposides he becomes verbally violent towards me and our kids.
.
Last time was the worse 12 months ago (there have been many) and I had to have him removed from the house by the police. Since then he has been diagnosed and medicated by a medical professional of mental health.
We have been seeing each other and now hes back to what I call "normal" You know before he has his episodes
He wants to move back into the family home but Im a bit afraid that he may have another episode. If I say yes will we be in danger or if he has an episode hell be ok and it will go through its motions?
Maybe you can help or explain what may happen
I dont really understand much about Schizoaffective Disorder even though Ive done some searching about it
Thanks SC

[dmhobbit]

I have the same disorder and since i was introduced to zyprexa back in 2001 most of my psychotic features are well handled and tolerated under this medication. I mostly have panic disorder but also swing from mania to depression. schizoaffective disorder is not as serious as full-blown schizophrenia... its a mixed state of that plus a cycling mood disorder. I don't seem to suffer from much psychosis but the mood swings really mess with my day and night sleep schedule.

The violent outbursts are common I will say but if he can get on a good antipsychotic that should help him immensely. I think he needs to see a p-doc and talk about his negative symptoms he is experiencing. I hope this helps from one with the disorder that currently has it in check. Its no joke I know, but there is hope with the right p-doc.

much peace,

~ DMHOBBIT ~

[scardycat]

Originally Posted by dmhobbit

I have the same disorder and since i was introduced to zyprexa back in 2001 most of my psychotic features are well handled and tolerated under this medication. I mostly have panic disorder but also swing from mania to depression. schizoaffective disorder is not as serious as full-blown schizophrenia... its a mixed state of that plus a cycling mood disorder. I don't seem to suffer from much psychosis but the mood swings really mess with my day and night sleep schedule.

The violent outbursts are common I will say but if he can get on a good antipsychotic that should help him immensely. I think he needs to see a p-doc and talk about his negative symptoms he is experiencing. I hope this helps from one with the disorder that currently has it in check. Its no joke I know, but there is hope with the right p-doc.

much peace,

~ DMHOBBIT ~

yes he does see a psychologist every fortnight and keeps in touch with his psychiatrist. Thank you so much for your reply it helps me to understand this illness more

[worthit]

I have Sza and do experience the psychotic symptoms as well as the manic/ depression from the bipolar portion. I still have episodes but not as bad and my daughter has come to understand my problems and help me as well as understand when I'm not focused. Everyone's different. It helps to read books on the subject. The center cannot hold is one on the bipolar portion.Understanding Schizoaffective is another questions answered one for sza.

Sent from my VS920 4G using Tapatalk

[schizoaffective]

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.

[worthit]

A book that I give to friends I've confided in is Schizoaffective Disorder Simplified by Martine Daniel.

Sent from my VS920 4G using Tapatalk

[insilence]

4 years ago they tried haldol, risperdone, zyprexa, and another i forget the name over the last 3 years. Clozapine is the only one that made the voices and fx quiet for me. I also developed multiple mind techniqques along with unconventional means of stopping the attacks i get. He is likely experiencing a simulation effect which means his voices or what he hears and sees may be trying to get him to act on whats being presented. For me my voces kept accusing me of things and telling me to do things to get arrested. They would just increase the grinding brain sounds if i fought or disobeyed. If you want some advise to help him. I would need some details of whats happening exactly with his symptoms so i can try to help. Please PM me on this site if you want help. The determination of his danger is up to you ultimately. But ive seen people including myself go nuts when it starts happening. im just glad i have rational and logical thought that trancends the attacks attempts to deceive me.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Ok so someone can relapse even on meds but often the violence is all talk and no action...that doesn't mean you won't have to take action...so actual physical violence is often associated with comorbid drug or alcohol use....if he has issues with that you might want to make abstinence a condition of moving in. Likewise don't give him any legal grounds to remain in your home....explain that if you ask him to leave for any reason he has to leave immediately and his property will be sent after. If you have any issue that makes you uncomfortable and he refuses to leave then call the cops. Basically this policy has no restrictions if he is acting normally but removal from the home if he does anything even suggesting violence. Don't have any obvious weapons around the home either unless they are locked with a code only you know. I suppose it sounds a bit draconian considering he is not likely violent however people are not themselves while psychotic and even people who have been stable on meds have accidentally killed people based on mistaken beliefs. There is typically warning/recurrent psychosis when this happens.

[Victoria'smom]

Okay I'm not sza (but bipolar with psychosis) but I would like to answer. Disregarded if anything. I also believe schizoaffective disorder is the most severe form of mental illness. Your thoughts betray you and you have horrid mood swings. You need to find out his symptoms and make a crisis plan. There will be break through episodes but caught sooner is better. It takes time to learn and trust. Yes there is a small chance it'll get to out of hand. Have him sign a release to his psychiatrist so you can talk to him in emergencies. When things start looking like they're getting out of hand, if he's not capable of calling his Dr do it for him but remember he's an adult. Also look into an as needed anti psychotic for break through episodes. if you suggest it before he gets paranoid then it'll help until the doctor is available

Most likely his break through episodes will be less severe since you know what you are dealing with. Lastly get therapy both for you and your children as well as a couple the more support everyone has the better and earlier episodes can be caught. Lastly get someone who has experience dealing with sza, sz or crisis. You can't trust someone who isn't strong enough to hold your fears and can't help you deal with them.

[ceramichornets]

I don't really want to sound harsh, but your kids deserve better than this. You should sit down and talk with them, too. Your significant other/their father was abusive. They might not feel safe with him living in the same space as them again, even if he is on meds.

Give him and yourself some more time before you have him come back. Study his moods and how they fluctuate. Hell, take notes if you have to. But please, please think of your kids. That's so important. I wish my dad had talked to me or been more supportive when my mom became abusive. It would've made me feel a lot safer and made growing up a lot less difficult.

Best wishes.