Which type of symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks in the absence of a mood episode in Schizoaffective Disorder?

In Schizoaffective Disorder, the presence of symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations for a duration of at least 2 weeks, without concurrent mood episode symptoms, is essential for diagnosis. This requirement emphasizes that the individual experiences these psychotic features independently of any mood disorder that could potentially obscure or combine with the psychotic symptoms. The criteria highlight that the psychotic symptoms are significant and are not simply an extension of mood-related problems, allowing for a clearer understanding of the condition and its treatment implications.

By establishing this criteria in the diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder, it ensures that the clinician is addressing the psychotic components of the disorder specifically, and it aids in differentiating between this diagnosis and other disorders that may present with similar symptoms, such as bipolar disorder with psychotic features or schizophrenia. Delusions and hallucinations are core features of the disorder, leading to significant impairment in functioning, making it crucial for the diagnostic criteria under the DSM-5.