Which drug can be used as adjunct to mood stabilizers/antidepressants for schizoaffective disorder?

• A. Paliperidone
• B. Clozapine
• C. Risperidone
• D. Olanzapine

Answer: (A)

In schizoaffective disorder, you treat the mood symptoms with mood stabilizers or antidepressants, and add an antipsychotic to control psychotic symptoms that persist. Paliperidone fits this role well because it has demonstrated efficacy specifically as an add-on to mood-stabilizing or antidepressant regimens for schizoaffective disorder and is approved for this indication in many guidelines. Its pharmacokinetic profile—easy dosing (daily) and the option for a long-acting injectable—also supports adherence, which is crucial when combining therapies. While other antipsychotics can be used in this setting, Paliperidone has the strongest combination of evidence and approved use as an adjunct in schizoaffective disorder. Monitor for prolactin-related effects and metabolic changes as you would with other antipsychotics.