Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective Disorder
The diagnosis is made when the patient has features of both illnesses but
does not strictly meet diagnostic criteria for either schizophrenia or a mood
disorder alone. Making the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder can be difficult
because it encompasses 2 other diagnostic entities, namely schizophrenia and
mood disorders. An accurate diagnosis is made when the patient meets criteria
for major depressive disorder or mania while also meeting the criteria for
schizophrenia. Moreover, the patient must have psychosis for at least 2 weeks
without a mood disorder.
to be less than 1%, with a range of 0.5-0.8%. This is only an estimate because
no studies have been performed.
o Symptoms that meet the criteria for mood episodes are present for a
substantial portion of the total duration of the active and residual periods of the
illness.
• Treatment includes education about the disorder and its treatment, family
assistance in compliance with medications and appointments, and maintenance
of structured daily activities (ie, schedule of daily events) for the patient.