Schizoeffective Disorder Vs. Bipolar Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder are very similar, however there are some distinct differences. Schizoaffective disorder is sometimes thought of as a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Schizoaffective disorder may be more difficult to diagnose and physicians usually observe and evaluate the patient prior to making an official diagnosis.

Schizoaffective Disorder

• Diagnosing schizoaffective disorder is based on the identification of distinct episodes of mood symptoms and psychosis. Psychotic symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and thoughts or catatonic behavior with significant disruption in functioning.

Bipolar Disorder

• Diagnosing bipolar disorder includes recognizing extreme mood swings in the form of mania or depression. Mania includes little need for sleep, heightened creativity and activity levels that can result in risky behavior. Depression includes low energy, sad mood, loss of pleasure and appetite or weight changes. A history of at least one manic episode must be present for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Similarities

• Schizoaffective disorder is classified as either a depressive or bipolar type. Bipolar types of these disorders experience manic symptoms in addition to the psychotic symptoms. Depressive types experience major depression.

Differences

• These disorders differ in how the course of illness and symptoms develop. Schizoaffective disorder is considered a dysfunction of thought processes and mood. Bipolar disorder is a dysfunction of mood only.

Prevention/Solution

• Treating these disorders with medications that are indicated for bipolar is usually effective with schizoaffective disorder in higher doses or different combinations that include mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. Hospitalization is not uncommon for both types of patients, depending on the severity of symptoms.