title: Schizoaffective disorder: a case study.
abstract: 1. Schizoaffective disorder includes a combination of both schizophrenia and affective disorder symptoms. 2. Diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is based on a careful evaluation of the client's history, as well as current symptoms. Misdiagnosis may occur if only current symptoms are considered. 3. Treatment of schizoaffective disorder includes neuroleptics, antimanics and antidepressants. The client must be carefully assessed for side effects. The elderly client poses special challenges. 4. Case management by a clinical nurse specialist or psychiatric nurse practitioner with the ultimate goal of increased quality of life for the client includes: assessment of client for positive and negative effects of medication; client, family and caregiver education regarding medications; identification of significant symptoms; and assistance with coping skills and support.
authors.affiliation: Indiana University, Purdue University, Fort Wayne, USA.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: O'Connell
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D019090:Case Management; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium