The PMHNP is called to collaborate with a colleague about a challenging diagnosis. Which of the following statements correctly describes the way in which schizoaffective disorder may be differentiated from bipolar disorder?

Choice A reason: Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder can last longer than one month, especially during severe manic or depressive episodes. The duration alone does not differentiate bipolar disorder from schizoaffective disorder. Choice B reason: In bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms are mood-congruent and occur exclusively during mood episodes. In contrast, schizoaffective disorder includes psychotic symptoms that persist independently of mood disturbances, which is the key distinguishing feature. Choice C reason: Schizoaffective disorder can include both depressive and manic or hypomanic episodes. It is not limited to depressive episodes alone. The subtype (depressive type or bipolar type) depends on the nature of the mood episodes. Choice D reason: Schizoaffective disorder often includes full-blown episodes of major depression. The presence of major depressive episodes is part of the diagnostic criteria for the depressive subtype of schizoaffective disorder.