Schizoaffective Disorder in Adolescents / Teens

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among adolescents / teens? Typical onset period overlaps late adolescence/early adulthood
Are adolescents / teens at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among adolescents / teens? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Hallucinations/delusions plus major mood episodes may first emerge around school/college transition; distinguish from substance-related psychosis and bipolar disorder
What commonly occurs alongside it? Substance use; anxiety; mood symptoms
What can it be confused with? Bipolar disorder with psychosis; schizophrenia; substance-induced psychosis; severe depression with psychosis
Common screening tool PQ-16 — Prodromal Questionnaire → clinical psychosis/mood evaluation
Separate screening tool for adolescents / teens None schizoaffective-specific
1 of 14