Diseases and Conditions

Schizoaffective disorder

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of developing schizoaffective disorder include:

  • Having a close blood relative — such as a parent or sibling — who has schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
  • Stressful events that may trigger symptoms
  • Taking mind-altering drugs, which may worsen symptoms when an underlying disorder is present