2026-06-08 –, AUDITORIUM
The distinction between schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is debated in psychiatry circles. Yet, there is not a lot of consistency in the application of this distinction in research. This study examines how schizoaffective disorder is handled in contemporary schizophrenia research, focusing on whether it is included, excluded, or combined with schizophrenia in study samples and analyses. Particular attention is given to how mood symptoms, which are central to the diagnostic distinction, are measured and incorporated into analytic decisions. Preliminary screening suggests substantial variation in diagnostic handling and limited justification for these choices. By documenting current practices, this study aims to clarify how diagnostic distinctions are operationalized in practice and to inform more transparent and consistent reporting and analytic approaches in future psychosis research.
