What is the difference between schizophernia and schizoaffective?

Hello Magenta,

I'm no expert, but a retired doc , (non-psych), so this is just my take on it.

First if you google Schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type you come up with American definition , and also a Uk/ WHO classification,with slightly different criteria showing straight away that these are not clear-cut separations, easy to distinguish,between this and schizophrenia but rather overlap. They are not cast in stone, these conditions don't neatly pigeonhole its a kind of working diagnosis. (As with many diagnoses  if only we (doctors and scientists) are honest and humble enough to admit!)

 In any case we are 'only' using, looking at patterns of SYMPTOMS ,that bring that unique person to be assessed at that particular time usually in crisis.The crisis may be triggered by external events, as with crisis in anyone's life!

No definite blood tests etc exist to show one illness or another. 

Things obvious and disclosed or complained of at the time are to the forefront and rightly receive attention, hopefully....(those causing distress to the person themselves or others often at a time of crisis. Naturally meds are used to alleviate what appear dominant features at the time.

Other things may have been 'dealt with' partially, or hidden over long periods as a coping strategy.

 So my advice is don't worry too much about the exact initial diagnosis...keep an open mind and be heard!

Good luck

Chris, UK

Hi magentaflame,

This same question was an "Ask" question about a month ago, so if you scroll through the "Ask" archives, you'll get my complete response.

In short, I tell everyone not to get hung up over the diagnosis, because a diagnosis could change over time [I know someone whose dx changed from bipolar to schizoaffective].

The best benefit of an accurate diagnosis is that it reflects the constellation of symptoms that a person exhibits, so that the right medication can be chosen and monitored.  As the symptoms change or new ones develop, and when certain symptoms are predominant, that is when the diagnosis could change.

I alsways tell people, and I'll tell you, if the medication works, and you're getting symptom relief, and can function in the world, that's all that matters.  The diagnosis doesn't mean a hill of beans, except as a tool for treatment. 

You've written in here before about finding the person you want to marry, so when I hear good news like that, it leads me to believe you are doing well, and having a husband to su0port you in what you go through having this condition, will aid you greatly iin addition to the medication.

The bottom line is, to be successful in life, you'll have to stay on your medication.  Medication taken when pregnant could cause harm to the fetus, so that is why a lot of women decide not to give birth if they have schizophrenia, schizoaffective or another mental illness.  Because then you'd possibly have to go off medications while you're pregnant, and you could get sick again.

So, like I've said, don't fret about the particular diagnosis, stay on your meds,a nd follow your heart and your intuition about the guy you want to marry.

Cheers,

cb

Hi Magentaflame -  I have Schizoaffective disorder depressive type , which I've come to the conclusion is schizophrenia plus major depression. I see you have the bipolar type which is schizophrenia and bipolar. Schizophrenia itself has types paranoid , catatonic , disorganised , undifferentiated and residual. So its schizophrenia with a depression  disorder as well.