Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Patients with schizoaffective disorder typically exhibit symptoms similar to schizophrenia with increased:

1. Delusional beliefs

2. Mood responses

3. Social withdrawal

4. Cognitive impairments

The correct answer is: Mood responses

Patients with schizoaffective disorder indeed display symptoms that resemble those of both schizophrenia and mood disorders. The hallmark characteristic of schizoaffective disorder is the presence of mood disturbances, such as depression or mania, combined with psychotic symptoms that are typically seen in schizophrenia. This means that individuals can have experiences like hallucinations or delusions alongside significant mood episodes. In the context of schizoaffective disorder, the increased mood responses are what distinguishes it from schizophrenia. While patients with schizophrenia may also experience mood changes, the defining feature of schizoaffective disorder is the concurrent significant mood disturbance, which directly influences the patient's overall behavior and functioning. This interplay of psychotic and mood symptoms is crucial in recognizing and diagnosing schizoaffective disorder, as it affects the overall approach to treatment and management for these patients. Other symptoms such as delusional beliefs, social withdrawal, and cognitive impairments can occur but are not the focal point in distinguishing schizoaffective disorder from other mental health conditions. The combination of mood responses with psychotic symptoms is what ultimately validates the diagnosis and helps inform effective treatment plans.