Researchers have identified two subtypes of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar type and depressive type. Bipolar type is associated with the presence of manic (energetic, overly enthusiastic, increased activity, etc.) or mixed (periods where symptoms of both mania and depression are evident), and depressive episodes.

Depressive type is associated with major depressive episodes. Depressive episodes are often characterized by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or indifference, and inability to concentrate or remember details, and thoughts of death or suicide attempts.

In both subtypes of schizoaffective disorder, there are also symptoms of schizophrenia present.

Like schizophrenia and affective disorders, schizoaffective disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters.

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