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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffDiagnosis of schizoaffective disorder usually comes after an in-depth interview with a doctor. As part of this interview, the doctor will likely take a medical, psychiatric and social history and also ask about symptoms and mental well-being. A physical examination can help rule out other conditions, and a mental health professional will likely be consulted.
To be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a person must meet criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
DSM criteria for the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder include:
- Schizophrenia along with mood symptoms
- A mood disorder along with symptoms of schizophrenia
- Both a mood disorder and schizophrenia
- A psychotic condition other than schizophrenia, plus a mood disorder
Diagnosis requires that the condition is not due to the direct effects of a substance — such as a recreational drug or medication — or due to a general medical condition. In addition, the person must never have met the criteria for any other schizophrenic disorder.
- Schizoaffective disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Schizophrenia. In: Hales RE, et al. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Pub; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Factsheet: Schizoaffective disorder. Mental Health America. http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF97FD-1372-4D20-C8F0FBF1C871E040. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Schizoaffective disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness. http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Schizoaffective_Disorder.htm. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Gejman PV, et al. The role of genetics in the etiology of schizophrenia. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33:35.
- Jibson MD. Schizophrenia: Clinical presentation, epidemiology, and pathophysiology. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Jibson MD. Schizophrenia: Diagnostic evaluation and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Schizoaffective disorder. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec15/ch202/ch202d.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2010.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 30, 2010.
- Schizoaffective. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com. Accessed Dec. 2, 2010.
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