Yes and no. I have bipolar 1 (“severe” *rolls eyes*, rapid-cycling, mixed with occasional psychotic features).

A few years ago, my T suddenly (?) thought I might be schizoaffective. I do get serious psychosis of various types but only during mood episodes (I think).

My pdoc said the bp 1 with psychosis is correct but he paused - he is cool -
he said, “Rainy, even if you had sza your treatment would be the same.” And he said we treat the symptoms and the labels are secondary.

I did buy the book titled Surviving Schizophrenia—cannot recall the author and I am not home. But it is EXCELLENT. If one never has psychosis, do not bother.

The doctor that wrote the book has a sister with schizophrenia. And I know we may be saying schizoaffective or whatever. I relate ALOT to that book. I think it is a spectrum.

He also wrote Surviving Bipolar Disorder.

Tolley. Toley? Cannot recall the author.

That book is worth reading. I have had a few psychiatrists that evaluated me “suggest” schizophrenia but my pdoc knows me best. I DO personally know my psychosis is always during an episode.

So. There is info. I hope it helps. I think Knowledge is power. Get the book and PM me anytime. xx