Which criterion is described by mood symptoms present for the majority duration of the illness in schizoaffective-type presentations?

• A. Criterion A
• B. Criterion B
• C. Criterion C
• D. Criterion D

Answer: (C)

Mood symptoms dominating the course of the illness is what defines schizoaffective-type presentations. In this pattern, a major mood episode (depressed or manic) is present for the majority of the total duration of the illness, so mood features are not just briefly added-on symptoms but a persistent, integral part of the illness trajectory. At the same time, there is a period when psychotic symptoms (delusions or hallucinations) occur without prominent mood symptoms for at least a couple of weeks. This combination helps distinguish schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia, where mood symptoms aren’t seen for the majority of the illness, and from mood disorders with psychotic features, where psychosis occurs only during mood episodes.