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Introduction

Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by psychotic symptoms that co-occur with major mood episodes (depressive or manic), as well as delusions or hallucinations that occur for at least 2 weeks in the absence of mood symptoms.  Major mood episodes must be present for a majority of the total duration of illness.  Diagnosing schizoaffective disorder requires a longitudinal assessment of psychotic and mood symptoms.

Epidemiology and risk factors

The estimated lifetime prevalence of schizoaffective disorder is 0.3%.  Prevalence rates are higher in women, and symptom onset is typically in early adulthood (early 20s to 30s).

Factors that may contribute to the risk for developing schizoaffective disorder include genetic predisposition (eg, first-degree relative with schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder), environmental factors (eg, cannabis and psychoactive substance use), and psychologic factors (eg, adverse childhood experiences).

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