An approach to the diagnosis and classification of schizoaffective disorders for research purposes

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Abstract
A classification of schizoaffective disorders for research purposes is presented. Two main categories are preliminarily singled out: (1) that characterized by the consecutive appearance of an affective and a schizophrenic syndrome (type 1), (2) that marked by the concurrent appearance of a full schizophrenic and a full affective syndrome (type II). Within type 1, two subtypes are distinguished: (1) that beginning as a typical schizophrenic disorder and shifting later on into a recurrent affective syndrome (affective subtype), (2) that beginning as an affective disorder and showing in its further course a progressive schizophrenic development towards deterioration (schizophrenic subtype). For type II, a multiaxial classification is proposed. Axis 1 should be used to describe the cross-sectional symptomatology, axis 2 to define the course, and axis 3 to note the presence of associated factors. On axis 1, schizoaffective disorder type II can be divided into a manic and a depressive subtype. Operational diagnostic criteria for each are provided. On axis 2, an affective (recurrent) and a schizophrenic (continuous with exacerbations) subtype can be distinguished.