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Schizoaffective disorder

Definition:
A disorder that includes features of both schizophrenia (hallucinations, delusions, and deteriorating function) and a mood disorder (either bipolar disorder "manic depression" or major depressive disorder) in which the symptoms are so intertwined that a distinction between the two problems cannot be made.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

People with this condition often seek treatment for mood problems (mania, depression, symptoms of both simultaneously or rapidly alternating) which shifts towards symptoms of schizophrenia or may display symptoms of both conditions simultaneously, although the schizophrenic symptoms dominate.

To be diagnosed with this disorder, someone must experience psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions) for at least 2 weeks in the absence of mood disorder.

The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but factors that affect the development of both schizophrenia and affective disorders may play a role, including a strong genetic component and other biochemical factors. Risk factors include a family history of schizophrenia or affective disorder.

It is not known how commonly schizoaffective disorder occurs, but it is believed to be less common than schizophrenia or mood disorders. Women may be affected more often than men. While mood disorders are relatively common in children, schizophrenia is not. Therefore schizoaffective disorder tends to be rare in children.



Review Date: 3/13/2002
Reviewed By: Yvette Cruz, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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