Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

The difference between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is primarily based on the presence of what in the latter?

1. Hallucinations and delusions

2. A substance abuse issue

3. A mood disorder

4. Auditory hallucinations

The correct answer is: A mood disorder

The distinction between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder primarily hinges on the presence of a mood disorder in schizoaffective disorder. While both conditions involve symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions, schizoaffective disorder is characterized specifically by the occurrence of mood episodes, which can be depressive or manic, occurring concurrently with the psychotic symptoms. In schizoaffective disorder, individuals not only experience the psychotic features typical of schizophrenia but also display the mood disorder component, making it vital for diagnosis. This combination significantly impacts treatment approaches and the overall prognosis, as managing the mood symptoms is essential in schizoaffective disorder. While hallucinations and delusions are hallmarks of both conditions, and auditory hallucinations can occur in either, it is the accompanying mood disorder in schizoaffective disorder that makes the critical difference. Substance abuse can be a concern in mental health altogether, but it is not a defining factor between these two diagnoses.