Schizoaffective Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a distinct condition from schizophrenia. However, it has aspects of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder. While symptoms of schizophrenia (psychosis) are always present, symptoms of a mood disorder (either mania or depression) are also present for a majority of the time.^✱

The combination of symptoms from two separate conditions is one reason schizoaffective disorder is difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can vary but include:

• Having false ideas or beliefs (delusions)
• Hearing, seeing, tasting, feeling, or smelling something that others do not experience (hallucinations)
• Difficulty managing your mood
  • –You may have emotional “highs,” with racing thoughts and speech, working nonstop, or spending sprees
  • –You may have emotional “lows,” where you feel empty or sad

While schizoaffective disorder is a chronic condition, there is hope by working with your doctor to find a treatment that’s right for you.