Life risk of suicide for schizophrenia and schizoaffective is 5%. Which disorder’s suicide risk is described?

• A. Schizophrenia
• B. Bipolar Disorder
• C. Schizoaffective Disorder
• D. Major Depressive Disorder

Answer: (C)

Suicide risk rises when psychosis is combined with major mood symptoms, because mood disturbances—especially depression—greatly increase suicidal thoughts and urges. Schizoaffective disorder sits at that intersection: it includes persistent psychotic symptoms plus a major mood episode (depressive or manic). That combination tends to raise lifetime suicide risk higher than psychosis alone, making it the best fit for a description of suicide risk around 5%. While schizophrenia also carries suicide risk, the added mood component in schizoaffective disorder is what elevates the risk and aligns with the description.