A Review of Schizoaffective Disorder: II. Somatic Treatment*

Abstract

Studies on the response of schizoaffective patients to somatic treatments are reviewed. Research suggests that in many cases the response of schizoaffective disorder to pharmacological intervention is similar to that of primary affective disorder. However, it is necessary to take into account the heterogeneity of the category when treating patients. The drugs used most frequently are lithium, neuroleptics (antipsychotics), antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Often a combination of drugs is found to be more effective than a single drug. Electroconvulsive therapy has been found to be very effective in the treatment of schizoaffective depression.