Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type

This diagnosis code signifies a mental health condition characterized by a continuous period of illness during which an uninterrupted major mood episode (either depressive or manic) is concurrent with symptoms meeting Criterion A for schizophrenia. The depressive type indicates that the mood disturbance primarily manifests as a major depressive episode.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder where the predominant mood component is depression. Supporting documentation should detail both schizophrenic symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech) and a concurrent major depressive episode, confirming they occurred together for a significant portion of the illness.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "depressive type" to differentiate from the bipolar type.
• Do not code schizophrenia and a mood disorder separately if the criteria for schizoaffective disorder are met.
• Verify that the psychotic symptoms are present during the mood episode and have also occurred for at least two weeks in the absence of a major mood episode.