The schizoaffective disorder is a psychiatric disorder located at the crossroads of psychotic disorders and mood disorders. As Fabrice Berna, professor of psychiatry at Strasbourg University Hospital, explains to us, it is still recognized by certain psychiatric classifications, but its relevance is often debated…
Definition: what is schizoaffective disorder?
Schizoaffective disorder, also called dysthymic schizophrenia, is a complex disorder characterized by the association of psychotic and affective symptoms. It manifests itself by more or less intense episodes during which these two types of symptoms coexist or alternate.
“Affected individuals may present symptoms characteristic of schizophrenia (delusional ideas, hallucinations, apathydisorganized thoughts or speech, etc.) and symptoms associated with mood disorders, such as depression or the mania (episodes of euphoria or great irritability),” says Professor Berna.
Good to know: schizoaffective disorder concerns between 0.3 and 1% of the population and generally appears between the ages of 15 and 30, like most psychotic disorders (source 1). Its evolution varies, which further disrupts the daily lives of the people concerned – and their loved ones.
What a difference with…
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