Recognizing Signs of Relapse

A relapse is when the symptoms^✱ of schizoaffective disorder worsen after a person in treatment has been feeling and acting better for a period of time. Some early warning signs of a relapse include:

• Restless sleep
• Feeling tense or fearful
• Difficulty concentrating
• Acting agitated, irritable, or quick-tempered
• Difficulty or inability to cope with simple, everyday tasks
• Excessive tiredness and lack of energy
• Loss of interest in activities
• Confusion or disordered thinking
• Reappearance or worsening of psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations

If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect that they may be getting worse, contact your doctor right away. Schizoaffective disorder can be unpredictable and there is a chance that a relapse may occur—even when a person is taking his or her medicine correctly. The important thing to remember is that the earlier a relapse is recognized, the earlier it can be treated.