Since schizoaffective disorder bears a close resemblance to both schizophrenia and affective disorders, people with the illness experience a combination of symptoms associated with both diseases. To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder a person must not meet the criteria for either schizophrenia or affective disorder. However, a person must have at one time experienced both a schizophrenic and a mood disturbance and, at another time, experienced psychotic symptoms without affective symptoms. These symptoms include:

Psychotic Symptoms

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Disorganized thinking

Affective Symptoms

• Extreme mood swings from mania to depression
• Hyperactivity
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Increased or decreased need for sleep
• Acute psychosis
•  Change in appetite

People suffering from schizoaffective disorder experience a chronic roller-coaster ride of problems related to symptoms similar to both schizophrenia and affective disorders (formerly known as mood disorders).

Top of Page