Schizoaffective Disorders (F25)
DSM-5-TR: Schizoaffective Disorder
ICD-10-AM and DSM-5-TR may classify conditions differently. Refer to APA and WHO for complete diagnostic criteria.
Key Facts
ICD-10 Range
F20-F29
Subcodes
5 subcodes
Australian Prevalence
Less common than schizophrenia. Prevalence approximately 0.3% of the population.
Global Prevalence
Lifetime prevalence approximately 0.3%. Onset typically in early adulthood.
Duration Requirement
Mood symptoms meet criteria for a mood episode; psychotic symptoms meet criteria for schizophrenia — both present within the same episode
Overview
Schizoaffective disorders are episodic disorders in which both affective (mood) and schizophrenic symptoms are prominent within the same episode, ideally simultaneously, but at least within a few days of each other. They do not justify a diagnosis of either schizophrenia or a mood disorder alone.
Diagnostic Criteria (ICD-10)
Core Features
- Both affective (mood) and schizophrenic symptoms prominent within the same episode
- Mood and psychotic symptoms present simultaneously, or at least within days of each other
- Does not justify a diagnosis of either schizophrenia or mood disorder alone
Duration
Mood symptoms meet criteria for a mood episode; psychotic symptoms meet criteria for schizophrenia — both present within the same episode
Exclusion Criteria
- Schizophrenia with incidental mood symptoms (use F20)
- Mood disorder with mood-congruent psychotic features (use F30-F33)
ICD-10-AM Subcodes
| Code | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F25.0 | Schizoaffective disorder, manic type | |
| F25.1 | Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type | |
| F25.2 | Schizoaffective disorder, mixed type | |
| F25.8 | Other schizoaffective disorders | |
| F25.9 | Schizoaffective disorder, unspecified |
Classification Boundaries
Includes
- Schizoaffective psychosis
Excludes1 (coded elsewhere)
- Schizophrenia (F20)
- Mood disorders (F30-F39)
Australian Clinical Context
Schizoaffective disorder is managed by Australian psychiatrists, often within public mental health services. Treatment typically involves a combination of antipsychotic and mood stabiliser medications. Community mental health teams and NDIS support services play important roles in long-term management.
Medicare (MBS) Pathways
Better Access to Mental Health Care
The primary Medicare pathway for mental health treatment in Australia. Requires a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral. Available for any clinically diagnosed mental disorder.
| Provider Type | MBS Items | Session Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 80000–80025 | Psychological therapy (higher rebate) |
| Registered Psychologist | 80100–80123 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Occupational Therapist | 80125–80145 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Social Worker | 80150–80175 | Focused psychological strategies |
| Psychiatrist | 291, 296–299, 300–308 | Psychiatric consultation |
Clinical Psychologist
Registered Psychologist
Occupational Therapist
Social Worker
GP referral items: 2700, 2701, 2715, 2717
Eligibility: Any clinically diagnosed mental disorder as defined by WHO ICD-10 Chapter V. Requires a GP or psychiatrist referral.
Exclusions:
- Intellectual disability (use Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder pathway or specialist referral)
- Dementia and organic mental disorders (use specialist referral pathway)
- Tobacco use disorder
Psychiatrist-led care is the primary pathway. Allied health under Better Access may support comorbid mood symptoms.
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Reference information sourced from MBS Online (mbsonline.gov.au). Item availability, rebates, and eligibility criteria may change. This is not billing advice — always verify current items before claiming. Last verified: April 2026.
Clinical Documentation Notes
The key diagnostic challenge is distinguishing schizoaffective disorder from schizophrenia with mood symptoms and mood disorders with psychotic features. DSM-5-TR requires that psychotic symptoms persist for at least two weeks in the absence of a major mood episode. Document the temporal relationship between psychotic and mood symptoms carefully.
Related Assessment Tools
Related Clinical Calculators
Other validated instruments commonly used alongside the Schizoaffective Disorders (F25).
BPRS
Psychiatric Monitoring
An 18-item clinician-rated scale for assessing the severity of psychiatric symptoms including psychosis, mood disturbance, and anxiety.
CalculateCGI
Psychiatric Monitoring
A 2-item clinician-rated scale: illness severity (CGI-S) and global improvement (CGI-I). The most widely used brief assessment of the clinician's view of a patient's global functioning. Each item is read against its own anchor labels.
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One link, multiple assessments completed in sequence — auto-scored back to you.
Related Diagnostic Codes
ICD-10-AM diagnostic codes commonly associated with the Schizoaffective Disorders (F25).
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- World Health Organization. ICD-10-AM.
- RANZCP. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Schizophrenia and Related Disorders.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR. 2022.
Clinical Scoring Calculator — Not a Diagnostic Tool
This tool calculates scores based on published guidelines for professional reference. It does not provide clinical diagnoses. Scores are provided as reference information only and should be interpreted by a qualified practitioner in the context of a comprehensive assessment.
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