Schizoaffective Disorder and Depression – A case study of a patient from Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a complex clinical syndrome that may present with a great variety of psychopathologic manifestations, covering changes in thought, perception and emotions, as well as motricity and behavioral abnormalities. It symptoms can be divided in positive and negative. Many others psychiatric disturbances share schizophrenia symptoms, among then, Schizoaffective Disorder, with altered mood, as in depression or mania. Although there is, in literature, plenty of evidence about the impact of depressive symptoms in the quality of life in schizophrenic patients, we were unable to identify Brazilian prospects on the subject. Surpassing the findings of other studies, depression in schizophrenic patients has considerable impacts, in addition to its prevalence and frequent underdiagnosis.

Objectives: Report a case of patient with Schizoafective Schizophrenia and Depression, treated in the Psycosocial Care Center (CAPES) III in the city of Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brazil.

Materials and Methods: Case study, with an descriptive transversal approach, realized under the rules of Resolution 466/12, from National Health Council / National Health Ministry regarding legal and ethical aspects about studies with human beings. The study was registered in the Plataform Brasil, and subsequently forwarded for consideration in the Research Ethics Committee, then being approved.

Discussion: The patient’s life story and background, as reported by herself, can probably not only justify, but also fundaments the disease etiology. Attempts of sexual abuse, familiar negligence, psychiatric disorders in the family, among many other factors, reported by the patient and her relatives, can be potential triggers for her schizophrenia and depression. With new therapeutic approaches, body and psychic improvements begun, and the patients realized that a more healthy life, followed by weigh loss, despite medication usage; in association, the doctor patient-patient relationship has grown in confidence along the way. Finally this case shows the importance of this kind of approach, holistic and focused in the individual, for schizophrenic patients and other psychiatric disorders, because only that way the health care professional can maximize the results of the prescribed therapy.

Conclusions: Throughout this clinical case its possible to know and understand more about the Schizophrenic Disorders. We conclude that the therapeutic approach, executed by a multidisciplinary team, had a positive impact on patient’s prognosis. In practical terms, the best kind of assistance is the individualized and humanized, understanding the uniqueness of every patient, respecting them and providing qualified assistance for their biopsychosocial needs.