Question

Which one of the following is a required DSM 5 criterion for schizoaffective disorder?

A. Catatonic features
B. A mood episode separate from schizophrenic symptoms
C. Delusions or hallucinations for 1 month in the absence of a major mood episode
D. Symptoms of a major mood episode are present for the majority of the illness
E. Mood symptoms may be substance induced

Answer 1

The required DSM-5 criterion for schizoaffective disorder is delusions or hallucinations for at least one month in the absence of a major mood episode, which distinguishes it from mood disorders where symptoms are directly tied to mood fluctuations.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), one required criterion for diagnosing schizoaffective disorder is C. Delusions or hallucinations for 1 month in the absence of a major mood episode. To clarify, this means that the individual experiences psychotic symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations without concurrent mood disorder symptoms like depression or mania for at least one month. This helps to distinguish schizoaffective disorder from other mood disorders where such symptoms might occur but are directly tied to mood fluctuations. It's also crucial to note that for a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, the individual must experience periods where there are mood symptoms concurrent with schizophrenic symptoms, but the key is that the psychotic symptoms (delusions or hallucinations) must also occur separately and persist beyond the mood episodes.