Schizoaffective disorder in an acute psychiatric unit: profile of users and agreement of diagnosis with operational criteria (OPCRIT)

Abstract

Schizoaffective Disorder remains poorly understood. Experts still disagree on whether it is a discrete disorder; whether it exists on a spectrum between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia or whether it even exists. Objectives: The study aimed to describe the demographic, clinical and treatment profile of mental health care users (MHCUs) diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder at a regional hospital (Helen Joseph Hospital) in Johannesburg, Gauteng. It also aimed to determine the degree of agreement between the clinicians‟ diagnosis and Operational Criteria (OPCRIT). Methods: All MHCUs at Helen Joseph Hospital psychiatric unit with a discharge diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder between January 2004 and December 2010 were included. The demographic, clinical and treatment profiles as well as data required for OPCRIT were extracted from hospital records and discharge summaries. Results: The main findings were that most MHCUs diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder were female with a mean age of illness onset of 25 years; had impaired social, occupational and interpersonal functioning; had a family history of mood disorders; were non-adherent on admission and were treated with at least 1 antipsychotic and 1 mood stabiliser. Also, there was no agreement between the clinicians‟ diagnosis and OPCRIT. Conclusion: More rigorous research is needed to accurately describe the profile of MHCUs diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder to improve understanding and management of their condition.