In Schizoaffective disorder, the active phase of schizophrenia is concurrent with what other episode?

In Schizoaffective disorder, the active phase of schizophrenia is concurrent with what other episode?

• A. Major depressive episode or manic episode
• B. Obsessive-compulsive episode
• C. Psychotic episode without mood symptoms
• D. Anxiety disorder episode

Answer: (A)

In schizoaffective disorder, the defining feature is that during the active phase of schizophrenia, there is a concurrent mood episode, which can be either a major depressive episode or a manic episode. This combination of symptoms is what differentiates schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, mood disturbances may occur, but they are not predominant or concurrent with the active psychotic symptoms. In schizoaffective disorder, the presence of these mood episodes is essential because they influence the course of the disorder and treatment approaches. The diagnosis is based on the intersection of these two types of symptoms, making it distinct from other disorders where psychosis or mood disturbances stand alone, such as those mentioned in the other options. Therefore, the correctness of the first option stems from this key characteristic of schizoaffective disorder.

In schizoaffective disorder, the defining feature is that during the active phase of schizophrenia, there is a concurrent mood episode, which can be either a major depressive episode or a manic episode. This combination of symptoms is what differentiates schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, mood disturbances may occur, but they are not predominant or concurrent with the active psychotic symptoms.

In schizoaffective disorder, the presence of these mood episodes is essential because they influence the course of the disorder and treatment approaches. The diagnosis is based on the intersection of these two types of symptoms, making it distinct from other disorders where psychosis or mood disturbances stand alone, such as those mentioned in the other options. Therefore, the correctness of the first option stems from this key characteristic of schizoaffective disorder.