When a patient is diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder, the doctor will assign a specific subtype to the diagnosis to help explain the mood component of the disease. The treatment measures taken will be affected by this particular subtype, and it's important to know what each subtype is to understand how better to treat this disorder.
1) Bipolar Type: Applies when a Manic Episode or Mixed Episode is part of the presentation of Schizoaffetive Disorder
A Manic Episode is a period of elevated or irriatable mood lasting at least one week. Several other symptoms may include grandiose thinking, less of a need for sleep, pressured speech, being easily distracted, and tangential speech.
A Mixed Episode is a period of time (One week), where criteria are met for both a Manic Episode and a Major Depressive Episode (see below).
2) Depressive Type: Applies when only Major Depressive Episodes are part of the presentation of Schizoaffective Disorder
Examples of symptoms included in a Major Depressive Episode involve depressed mood, diminished interest in pleasurable activities, weight loss or gain, sleep disturbances, loss of energy, or suicidal ideations.
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atzimmer1@catamount.wcu.edu
2008