Definition of Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis describing a condition where both the symptoms of mood disorder and schizophrenia are present. A person may manifest impairments in the perception or expression of reality, most commonly manifesting as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions or disorganized speech and thinking, as well as discrete manic and/or depressive episodes in the context of significant social or occupational dysfunction. The disorder usually begins in early adulthood, and is more common in women. Despite the greater variety of symptoms, the illness course is more episodic and has an overall more favourable outcome than schizophrenia.