Are there subtypes of schizoaffective disorder?
There are proposals to divide schizoaffective into subtypes, primarily bipolar or depressed type, depending on whether the symptoms more closely related to “high” or “low” mood episodes. Other considerations include whether the patient is free of symptoms between episodes of the illness; whether both manic and depressive symptoms are present; and whether all episodes of illness are the same or some are dominated by mood changes and others by psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations). Research has shown that certain medication combinations work best for certain subtypes [examples: patients with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type respond well to lithium or valproate (Depakote, Depakene) in combination with an antipsychotic, while patients with schizoaffective disorder, depressed type do well on an antipsychotic alone or an antipsychotic plus an antidepressant]. Source: Ronald Pies, M.D., Jan.
