Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsComplicationsDiagnosisCausesTreatmentWhen to Get Help

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Definition

Symptoms

Complications

Diagnosis

Causes

Treatment

When to Get Help

Close

What Is Schizoaffective Disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition that combines symptoms ofpsychosis(e.g., hallucinations anddelusions) with symptoms of mood disorders (e.g., mania and/or depression).Depending on what type of mood symptoms are present, schizoaffective disorder is diagnosed as eitherbipolar typeor depressive type.

The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder in the population is believed to be around 0.3%,which is less than forschizophreniaormood disorders. Research suggests that women are slightly more prone to it, but men tend to develop the disorder at a younger age. It is usually first diagnosed between age 16 and 30 and is rare in children.

Whether you have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder or are worried that someone you know may have this disorder or has been recently diagnosed, it is important to understand the common symptoms, how a diagnosis is made, and how treatment can help to reduce symptoms and improve functioning in daily life.

Psychosis vs. Schizophrenia: What Are the Differences?

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder tend to be severe and vary for each individual. They can be broadly categorized into depressive symptoms, manic symptoms, and schizophrenia symptoms.

Those with bipolar type will experience a manic episode and may also have depressive episodes, while those with the depressive type will only experience the depressive symptoms.

Depressive Symptoms

Depressive symptoms of schizoaffective disorder may be psychological or physical. Psychological symptoms include:

Physical symptoms can include:

Manic Symptoms

People with bipolar type schizoaffective disorder may experience mania, which also has both psychological and physical symptoms.

Psychological symptoms can include:

Physical symptoms may include:

Psychotic Symptoms

Like the other groups of symptoms, psychotic symptoms may also be divided into psychological and physical effects.

Physical symptoms include slow movements or no movement (catatonia) and poor personal hygiene.

While the psychotic symptoms listed above describe how schizoaffective disorder appears to an outsider, it is also helpful to learn what these symptoms feel like to a person with the disorder.

Disorganized Thinking

If you are experiencing disorganized thinking, you may feel like your thoughts are fuzzy or everything feels disconnected. When you speak, you may not be able to remember what you were talking about, so it’s hard for people to follow what you say. You may also feel like your thoughts are not within your control.

Thinking You Are Being Controlled

Hallucinations

Delusions

Most often delusions are paranoid, such that you think people are plotting against you or spying on you. You might choose to avoid those people as it can feel very scary.

Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation and behavior can also be a problem for some people with schizoaffective disorder.If someone you know is in danger of attempting suicide or harming another person, stay with that person while you call 911 or your local emergency number. The other alternative is to take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room if you believe that you can do so safely.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Complications of Schizoaffective Disorder

There are a number of potential complications of having schizoaffective disorder, including:

Diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder overlaps with other conditions so it can be difficult to diagnose. Sometimes, it is incorrectly diagnosed as simply bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, which is why it is important for mental health professionals to have a full history of symptoms prior to making a diagnosis.

The first step in diagnosing schizoaffective disorder may be conducting a physical exam to rule out any potential medical contributions to the symptoms. Depending on the suspected diagnosis, this may mean undergoing blood testing and brain imaging.

Next, a psychiatrist or psychologist will conduct a clinical interview to determine whether symptoms meet the criteria outlined in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5). This includes a period of major mood disorder (depression or mania) and at least two of the following schizophrenia symptoms (at least one of the first three is required):

In addition, delusions or hallucinations most occur for two or more weeks in the absence of a mood episode. The mood symptoms must also be present for most of the duration of the illness.

The Difference Between Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

Causes of Schizoaffective Disorder

Researchers do not know precisely what causes schizoaffective disorder. However, some propose that it can result from a combination of risk factors that affect brain development prenatally and throughout childhood and adolescence. These include:

People with schizoaffective disorder may also live with overlapping disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder,post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),anxiety disorders, and substance and alcohol use.

Aco-occurring disordercan exacerbate the symptoms of schizoaffective disorder and make a person less likely to follow their treatment plan. This is why proper diagnosis and integrated treatment is essential when it comes to managing and coping with a dual diagnosis.

Schizoaffective disorder is often confused with other mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.These are two distinct disorders, however, each with their own diagnostic criteria and treatment. While they do share many symptoms, the main difference is that there is a prominent mood component with schizoaffective disorder.

RecapGenetics, brain development, brain chemistry, stress, and substance use may play a role in the development of schizoaffective disorder. It is also common for people with this condition to have co-occurring mental illnesses such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

Recap

Genetics, brain development, brain chemistry, stress, and substance use may play a role in the development of schizoaffective disorder. It is also common for people with this condition to have co-occurring mental illnesses such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder

Treatment can help people with schizoaffective disorder to live a more fulfilling life. Treatment may come in the form of medication, therapy, or hospitalization, depending on the particular symptoms.

Medication

Medications such as mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium), antipsychotics (e.g., paliperidone), andantidepressants(e.g., fluoxetine) may be prescribed for different aspects of schizoaffective disorder.Taking antipsychotic medication will help reduce hallucinations and delusions, lessen disorganized thinking, and soothe agitation.

It’s important for people with schizoaffective disorder to continue taking medication even if they feel well, as these medications help to stabilize symptoms and prevent a recurrence of them.

Often, people with schizoaffective disorder need to take medication for the rest of their lives.

Therapy

Therapy such ascognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT), family therapy,group therapy, or skills training may be used to treat schizoaffective disorder.

During therapy, a person with schizoaffective disorder may learn about their illness, set goals, determine how to manage daily issues, develop skills to interact with others, look for a job, and practice life skills like managing finances, home maintenance, and personal grooming.

Family members can participate in therapy to learn how best to support their loved ones.

The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

Hospitalization

In the event of an acute psychotic episode, suicidal ideation, or threats to others, treatment in a hospital may be necessary. There is, unfortunately, no cure for schizoaffective disorder and long-term treatment and management is often required.

However, medication and therapy can help to reduce symptom relapse and disruption to a person’s life and the lives of those around them. This is why it is important for them to keep in contact with a psychiatrist to ensure that their treatment regimen is optimal.

RecapSchizoaffective disorder is a serious and lifelong condition. Effective treatments are available that can help manage symptoms, improve functioning, and foster well-being. In the case of an acute psychotic episode, hospitalization may be necessary.

Schizoaffective disorder is a serious and lifelong condition. Effective treatments are available that can help manage symptoms, improve functioning, and foster well-being. In the case of an acute psychotic episode, hospitalization may be necessary.

Schizoaffective Disorder and Schizophrenia: What Are the Differences?

If someone you know is displaying symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, it can be hard to know how to help. While you can try to talk to your friend or relative, you also can’t force them to seek treatment. Instead, try offering encouragement and practical advice such as looking up numbers of doctors to call or investigating avenues to receive treatment in the community.

In addition, people with this disorder may be disconnected from reality. In the event that the person is struggling with basic necessities of life such as food and shelter, or there are imminent safety concerns, you can call 911 and ask to have that person evaluated for treatment.

A Word From Verywell

If you have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, it is important to learn to notice when your symptoms are worsening and that you may be entering another episode. Not being able to sleep or feelings of paranoia may be one signal that this is happening. In the event you notice symptoms increasing, it is important to reach out for help as soon as possible from your doctor or other mental health professional.

9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Alliance on Mental Health.Schizoaffective disorder.Perälä J, Suvisaari J, Saarni SI, et al.Lifetime prevalence of psychotic and bipolar I disorders in a general population.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64(1):19-28. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.64.1.19Cleveland Clinic.Schizoaffective disorder.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.Verma D, Srivastava MK, Singh SK, Bhatia T, Deshpande SN.Lifetime suicide intent, executive function and insight in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.Schizophr Res. 2016;178(1-3):12-16. doi:10.1016/j.schres.2016.08.009Ayano G, Tesfaw G, Shumet S.The prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders among homeless people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):370. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2361-7Smith LL, Yan F, Charles M, et al.Exploring the link between substance use and mental health status: what can we learn from the self-medication theory?.J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2017;28(2S):113-131. doi:10.1353/hpu.2017.0056Hartman LI, Heinrichs RW, Mashhadi F.The continuing story of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: One condition or two?.Schizophr Res Cogn. 2019;16:36-42. doi:10.1016/j.scog.2019.01.001Miller JN, Black DW.Schizoaffective disorder: A review.Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2019;31(1):47-53.

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Alliance on Mental Health.Schizoaffective disorder.Perälä J, Suvisaari J, Saarni SI, et al.Lifetime prevalence of psychotic and bipolar I disorders in a general population.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64(1):19-28. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.64.1.19Cleveland Clinic.Schizoaffective disorder.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.Verma D, Srivastava MK, Singh SK, Bhatia T, Deshpande SN.Lifetime suicide intent, executive function and insight in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.Schizophr Res. 2016;178(1-3):12-16. doi:10.1016/j.schres.2016.08.009Ayano G, Tesfaw G, Shumet S.The prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders among homeless people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):370. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2361-7Smith LL, Yan F, Charles M, et al.Exploring the link between substance use and mental health status: what can we learn from the self-medication theory?.J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2017;28(2S):113-131. doi:10.1353/hpu.2017.0056Hartman LI, Heinrichs RW, Mashhadi F.The continuing story of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: One condition or two?.Schizophr Res Cogn. 2019;16:36-42. doi:10.1016/j.scog.2019.01.001Miller JN, Black DW.Schizoaffective disorder: A review.Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2019;31(1):47-53.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Alliance on Mental Health.Schizoaffective disorder.Perälä J, Suvisaari J, Saarni SI, et al.Lifetime prevalence of psychotic and bipolar I disorders in a general population.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64(1):19-28. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.64.1.19Cleveland Clinic.Schizoaffective disorder.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.Verma D, Srivastava MK, Singh SK, Bhatia T, Deshpande SN.Lifetime suicide intent, executive function and insight in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.Schizophr Res. 2016;178(1-3):12-16. doi:10.1016/j.schres.2016.08.009Ayano G, Tesfaw G, Shumet S.The prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders among homeless people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):370. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2361-7Smith LL, Yan F, Charles M, et al.Exploring the link between substance use and mental health status: what can we learn from the self-medication theory?.J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2017;28(2S):113-131. doi:10.1353/hpu.2017.0056Hartman LI, Heinrichs RW, Mashhadi F.The continuing story of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: One condition or two?.Schizophr Res Cogn. 2019;16:36-42. doi:10.1016/j.scog.2019.01.001Miller JN, Black DW.Schizoaffective disorder: A review.Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2019;31(1):47-53.

National Alliance on Mental Health.Schizoaffective disorder.

Perälä J, Suvisaari J, Saarni SI, et al.Lifetime prevalence of psychotic and bipolar I disorders in a general population.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64(1):19-28. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.64.1.19

Cleveland Clinic.Schizoaffective disorder.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.

Verma D, Srivastava MK, Singh SK, Bhatia T, Deshpande SN.Lifetime suicide intent, executive function and insight in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.Schizophr Res. 2016;178(1-3):12-16. doi:10.1016/j.schres.2016.08.009

Ayano G, Tesfaw G, Shumet S.The prevalence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders among homeless people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Psychiatry. 2019;19(1):370. doi:10.1186/s12888-019-2361-7

Smith LL, Yan F, Charles M, et al.Exploring the link between substance use and mental health status: what can we learn from the self-medication theory?.J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2017;28(2S):113-131. doi:10.1353/hpu.2017.0056

Hartman LI, Heinrichs RW, Mashhadi F.The continuing story of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: One condition or two?.Schizophr Res Cogn. 2019;16:36-42. doi:10.1016/j.scog.2019.01.001

Miller JN, Black DW.Schizoaffective disorder: A review.Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2019;31(1):47-53.

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?