(adults with schizoaffective disorder) Term Paper

(adults with schizoaffective disorder) - Term Paper Example The second and third aspects of the paper will also discuss how a family member saw this spectrum and how it is affects African-Americans. The theoretical orientation that has been chosen for this report is the cognitive theories. According to the Better Health Channel (2011) schizo-affective disorder is a combination of â€Å"schizophrenia and a mood disorder† (par. 1). There are two sub-types that have been identified: Schizo-affective bipolar type and schizo-affective depression type. The symptoms of schizo-affective disorder can include three types: Psychotic symptoms include losing touch with reality, chaotic speech, blank facial expression, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts and the inability to move. Manic symptoms can include rapid thoughts and/or speech, quick changes in mood, impulsive behaviors and exaggerated self-esteem. Depressive symptoms that can include low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, loss of motivation and/or loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, insomnia and loss of appetite. Unfortunately, the causes of schizo-affective disorder is not known (Better Health Channel, 2011). Also, s chizo-affective disorder is difficult to diagnose because clients are usually having the same challenges when they are diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Generally, the diagnosis of schizo-affective disorder will be used if the individual has both schizophrenia and a mood disorder that is present for at least two weeks (Better Health Channel, 2011). This is one of the reasons that many researchers state that socio-affective disorder is part of a schizophrenia spectrum. The cognitive theories are important to this disorder because there are several areas of cognitive dysfunction. Green (2006) identified several key concepts in cognitive functioning. These concepts include: â€Å"speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, visual learning and memory, reasoning and problem solving, and social