What distinguishes schizoaffective disorder from bipolar I disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by the presence of both mood episode components (depressive or manic) and psychotic features. However, a key feature that distinguishes schizoaffective disorder from bipolar I disorder is the persistence of psychotic symptoms that occur independently of mood disturbances. In schizoaffective disorder, individuals can experience psychosis that extends beyond the duration of mood episodes, meaning the psychotic symptoms can persist even when the individual is not experiencing a mood episode. This is crucial for the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.

In bipolar I disorder, any psychotic features typically occur only during mood episodes, meaning the psychosis and mood disturbances are linked and transient. Once the mood episode resolves, the psychotic symptoms usually subside as well. The distinguishing factor lies in the duration and independence of psychotic symptoms from mood fluctuations, making the option highlighting the persistence of psychosis without mood disturbance the most accurate discernment between the two conditions.