Schizoaffective disorder
Pronunciation: SKIT-so-uh-FEK-tiv
A psychiatric condition combining features of schizophrenia with major mood episodes occurring simultaneously.
Full Definition
Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by symptoms of schizophrenia (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking) occurring alongside major depressive or manic episodes. A key diagnostic criterion is that psychotic symptoms must occur for at least 2 weeks in the absence of prominent mood symptoms, distinguishing it from mood disorders with psychotic features. The disorder has two subtypes: bipolar type (includes manic episodes) and depressive type (only major depressive episodes). Accurate diagnosis requires careful documentation of symptom timing and duration to differentiate from schizophrenia and mood disorders.
Usage
Usage note: No hyphen in schizoaffective. Always specify subtype (bipolar or depressive) in documentation.
In Context
- "Diagnosis revised to schizoaffective disorder, depressive type, based on symptom timeline review." — Diagnostic clarification note
- "Patient with schizoaffective disorder requires both antipsychotic and mood stabilizing medications." — Treatment plan