Schizo effective disorder!

My brother was diagnosed with this disorder at the age of 12. He displayed symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, manic as well as depressive behaviors. I was in the second grade at the first onset of his symptoms, which was mostly outward violence towards me, and inward violence such as grabbing knives and trying to hurt himself. Countless times he was hospitalized and brought knives to school.
That said, it is common for this 'disease' to present itself after adolescence, which would make sense as your daughter was in her early 20s at the first onset. While I wouldn't say that your daughter has this, it would be safe to be prepared for any diagnosis.
You mentioned that she presented intense nervousness during these 'episodes', and if it was a paranoid type of nervousness, that could be a way of her presenting her delusions.
My brother is 22 now, no longer taking medication, and while not fully functional, he's no longer grabbing knives and being hospitalized like he was for years before.
But, in the end, she is still your daughter and while it is hard to see your child suffering, sometimes there isn't much one can do. Support is the safest bet, no matter how hard times get. Be aware of triggers, symptoms, and how any medication your daughter may end up taking affects her mental and physical health. There are medications that do work, and medications that DO NOT work.
I hope you can find or have already found some answers, and I wish you and your daughter the best of luck.

I'm sorry to hear about your daughters struggles, but from what I have learned in school about psychological disorders, it sounds like your daughter may be experiencing a mood disorder, like depression or bi-polar disorder. It's possible that she could be ALSO experiencing schizophrenia or a related disorder at the same time. I am not a doctor, and even if I was I wouldn't feel comfortable advising you over the internet, though I am headed into the social work field. I would recommend that you take your daughter to see a doctor about it, or a psychiatrist if you feel it's necessary, you're the parent.

Just remember (because the hardest part for most people is going in the first place), the doctor or psychiatrist will not look down on you as a parent, or your daughter for her experiencing a psychiatric disorder in the event she is diagnosed. Many people have these disorders, which are often completely treatable with counseling and/or medication where needed.

Hope this helps! Good luck.

I can't tell you if your daughter is schizo-affective or not, but I can tell you what it's like. I have had a definite diagnosis of suffering from persecutory delusions. But I know there are mood swings in there too. And that puts me in the schizo-affective category.

There are a lot of things nutrition and supplements can do to help. BUT there is also a lot that medication can do to help. I use both and am rewarded with the need to take less medication than most, and the knowledge that I've improved my chances of living a healthy fulfilling life.

I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder for sure. I use a Litebook in winter to combat that, along with upping my vitamin D intake. Yes, I megadose on vitamin D...2000 IU/day. And it's been recommended I go as high as 4000 IU. I also take a lot of vitamin C and B vitamins...though you have to be careful about some of the B vitamins.

I also take 1 mg. of Risperdal a day. That keeps the delusions at bay. The others are keeping my moods level. Along with regular exercise and a healthy diet (I follow a diabetic diet, even though I'm not diabetic or pre-diabetic...it's a very healthy diet).

If your daughter is schizo-affective it is manageable. You can live with this disease. It's not a death sentence...unless you let it go too long and she becomes suicidal. So please take her in to be assessed by a psychiatrist. And make some of the simple changes to see if she responds positively to them.

I forgot to add...one thing that really helped me was to have a set daily routine...especially an hour after rising and an hour before going to bed. Then I could process all the extra stimuli/thoughts in my head and take time to 'get real' and be logical about them. Helps that my husband is good at helping me with this too.

John H. your chances of having schizoafecctive disorder are not 60% but 12% , i know that because i have schizoaffective disorder and i read a lot a scientists and medical books before having a son :D I'm 24 and whit the help of my loved ones and doctors i'm trying to pull thru this :) I'm a student , a volunteer , and i'm going to open a businnes on the net. Sorry bout my poor english but it's not my native language :) Anyway good luck for all of you :)

Elliptical Element

John H. the chances that you are going to develop schizoaffective disorder like your mother are 12% and not 60%.. I'm telling you that because i have schizoaffective disorder and i read a lot of scientists and medical books before having a son. I'm 24 and i'm trying to live my life well whit the help of my family :) wish you all the best! :) Sorry bout my poor english but it's not my native language :D

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your personal experience. I couldn't agree with you more;) take care

I'm sorry about your daughter. I'm 43 and am diagnosed with Schizo-effective disorder. Mood swings are common. I hear and see things that are not there. Depression is also common with mood swings. Changes in personality happen frequently and it is very hard to get ahold of yourself when it happens. I was on Risperidone for years but it seemed to lose its effectiveness. My doctor prescribed me Cirraquil and I feel alot better. Four weeks have past since I seen a bird fly that wasn't there. It might not be for everyone but it works for me. I hope the best for you and your predicament. Be blessed always.

My 16 year old is suffering from schizoaffective disorder. My son is currently in the hospital because of another psychotic episode. I am looking for other parents that are going through similar situations.