Hello, Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized primarily by symptoms of schizophrenia. The characteristics of schizophrenia typically include positive symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, disorganized speech, negative symptoms, such as a flat affect or poverty of speech, and impairments in cognition, including attention, memory and executive functions. A diagnosis of schizophrenia is based on the presence of such symptoms, coupled with social or occupational dysfunction, for at least six months in the absence of another diagnosis that would better account for the presentation. Schizoaffective disorder is seen in about 0.3% of the population. It can be managed effectively with medication and therapy. Teh cause can be from genetics, brain chemistry and structure, stress, and drug use. The diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder requires the presence of characteristic symptoms of the disorder( delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and/or negative symptoms) coupled with social and /or occupational dysfunction for at least six months in the absence of another diagnosis that would better account for the presentation. No symptom or group of symptoms is pathognomonic for schizoaffective disorder, however, there are specific hallucinations and delusions that are characteristic of the illness, know as first rang symptoms. For treatment and management including medication, psychotherapy and self management strategies and education. Does your child has a related conditions such as anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or substance abuse? Schizoaffective disorder is treated with medicines that help control symptoms and with different types of counseling and support. The medicine often reduce symptoms, but they take some getting used to. Sometimes people need to try few different medicines before finding the ones that work best and cause the fewest problems. The medicine can cause uncomfortable side effects. If the medicine cause side effects, talk to your doctor about them. It can also be useful for you and your family to take part in a type of therapy called family psychoeducatio . This progream can teach you and your loved one some important concepts and skill, such as: its not anyone s fault, ways to keep the condition from getting worse, ways to deal with your symptoms so that they are less stressful. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Best regards, Dr Heang chan Raksmey, General and Family Physician