In distinguishing schizophrenia from schizoaffective disorder, which criterion is used?

• A. Duration >1 year
• B. Mood episodes absent
• C. Mood episodes concurrent with active-phase symptoms
• D. Visual hallucinations prominent

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that schizoaffective disorder is defined by mood disturbance occurring at the same time as psychotic symptoms. When major mood episodes (depression or mania) overlap with active psychosis, it points to schizoaffective disorder rather than plain schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, mood symptoms, if they appear at all, do not persistently accompany the psychotic symptoms throughout the illness. A long duration by itself isn’t diagnostic, and visual hallucinations can occur in both conditions. Mood symptoms that are absent during psychosis would not support schizoaffective disease, whereas concurrent mood and psychotic symptoms do.