schitzoaffective or schitzophrenic??

I know my husband says it's just a label, but I still want to know. I was diagnosed schizoaffective about 10 years ago, but recently my Dr. mentioned in passing my diagnosis of schizophrenia. I should have asked him right then about it, but I didn't. I have had severe psychosis in the past - never voices telling me to hurt anyone, but I have heard voices and I've had delusions of persecution. On a daily basis, with medication, I deal with apathy and difficulty with not knowing if I'm perceiving things that are said correctly.
Also, does schizoaffective disorder often lead to schizophrenia?

Hey, justusryans. As far as I know, schizoaffective doesn't ordinarily change into schizophrenia. But that would be a good question to ask your doc.

It's very complex. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia but now my psychiatrist is thinking maybe schizoaffective instead. It has a lot to do with moods and whether the voices and delusions are around when you're mood is good. I don't know too much about it. Others here might be able to help you more.

A lot of these things depend in the doc you see and how they interpret the dsm...the rate of two docs agreeing on a dx is only 50%.

As far as sz or sza, sza is basically sz plus bipolar so it's a question of whether you get manic/depressed or not...and whether it's a major component of your illness or not. Many people with sz get depressed but it's not their primary symptom...thus sz rather than sza...

Ok that helps but what if you have a dx of BPD also along with sza bp subtype. How in the he** did they get that? Where does the mood end and the personality begin? I'm always psychotic. I need help!