Scientists don’t know the exact cause of schizoaffective disorder. Things that may be involved include:
- Genetics: Someone may inherit a tendency to develop schizoaffective disorder from his or her parents.
- Brain structure and function: People with schizophrenia and mood disorders may have problems with brain circuits that manage mood and thinking.
- Environment: Environmental things -- such as a viral infection, bad relationships, or highly stressful situations -- may trigger schizoaffective disorder in people who are at risk for it. How that happens isn’t clear.