What characterizes schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by the presence of both symptoms of schizophrenia and mood episodes, such as major depressive or manic episodes. This dual aspect distinguishes schizoaffective disorder from other mental illnesses; it is not merely a mood disorder or purely a psychotic disorder. In individuals with this disorder, the psychotic features can occur even in the absence of mood symptoms, which differentiates it from a mood disorder with psychotic features. The coexistence of these symptoms can significantly impact the individual's functioning and treatment approach.

In contrast, options that suggest only mood symptoms or solely schizophrenia symptoms do not capture the essence of schizoaffective disorder, as both elements must be present for a diagnosis. Additionally, the stipulation of symptoms lasting less than one month describes a brief psychotic episode rather than schizoaffective disorder, which is characterized by ongoing symptoms that may persist for a significant period of time. Thus, option C accurately reflects the complexity of schizoaffective disorder by indicating the concurrent presence of both symptom types.