Schizoaffective disorder must either be specified as bipolar type (manic episode with major depressive episodes) and depressive type (only major depressive episodes) (Kuniyoshi & McClellan, 2014). Additionally, the disorder should be specified if catatonia is present. The severities of the primary symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and abnormal behavior) are rated by a quantitative assessment five-point scale ranging from zero (not present) to four …show more content…
Similarly, investigation into genetic and environmental factors continues; clarification of neurobiological pathways underlying the disorder will evolve (Kuniyoshi & McClellan, 2014). The long-term outcome of this disorder is better than that of schizophrenia, but worse than that of mood disorder (Boyd, 2008).
The limitations of schizoaffective disorder occurred when clinicians had issues whether symptoms were compatible with schizoaffective disorder, even in the absence of full criteria for mood episodes (Malaspina, et al., 2013). Individuals describe their own symptoms and explain how they feel; considering the fact that they may communicate from their hallucinations. Malaspina (et al., 2013) stated, “the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder remains controversial because of poor reliability, low stability, weak validity, and excessive application in practice.” There are no definitive laboratory tests, scans, or biopsy for mental illnesses (Jacob,