Schizo Affective Disorder

Schizo Affective Disorder is quite rare and is defined as 'the presence of psychotic symptoms in the absence of mood changes for at least two weeks in a patient who has a mood disorder'.

Diagnosis of schizo affective disorder is given when the person does not fit the criteria for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other mood disorder ie. depression.

First off people with these symptoms are often diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. Although, if delusions and hallucinations persist after the mood has stabilised and other symptoms of schizophrenia present themselves, then the diagnosis of schizo affective disorder is given.

Misdiagnosis often occurs when someone presents with the symptoms of schizo affective disorder, because of the close relationship between schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizo affective disorder.

Treatment:

A combination of therapy and drug treatments is often followed after diagnosis. A patient might be prescribed anti-psychotic medication and Lithium, or anti-convulsant medication with Lithium. However, because of the relatively close relationship between all three conditions, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizo affective disorder, an anti-psychotic medication will usually be prescribed for all three, with an addition of either Lithium or an antidepressant.