What is Schizoaffective Disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by symptoms of bipolar mood disorders such as major depression and mania as well as those of schizophrenia, such as delusions or hallucinations. Schizoaffective disorder is commonly seen in about 0.3% of the population with men developing the disease at an earlier stage than women (Vardaxi, Gonda & Fountoulakis, 2018). This disorder normally runs a unique course in each affected individual and is not as well defined or well understood as other mental health conditions. The exact cause of schizoaffective disorder is unknown, but it is associated with genetic causes, stress, and drugs abuse such as Lysergic acid Diethylamide (LSD) that alter the structure, chemistry, and functioning of the brain. Schizoaffective disorder presents typically with severe symptoms. The presenting symptoms depend on the type of mood disorder diagnosed; either bipolar or depressive, individuals experience different symptoms: a) Hallucinations, which manifest as hearing or seeing things which dont exist. b) Delusions, which are fixed, false beliefs that manifest despite evidence to the contrary. c) Depressed moods are manifesting as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and emptiness. d) Disorganized thinking. e) Manic behaviour. Bipolar types will manifest with feelings of euphoria, risky behaviour, hyperactive, and racing thoughts (Tondo et al., 2016). To be diagnosed with this condition, a person must have had a major mood disorder that occurs together with schizophrenia. Hallucinations and delusions for more than two weeks and must meet the criteria for symptoms of major mood disorders. 2. Do Sarahs symptoms match those of schizoaffective disorder, and if so why?