I am diagnosed Schizo-Affective Disorder.
It's also called UniPolar Disorder - basically like bi-polar but without the mania.
The main underlying state is depression. But what makes the condition Schizo Affective is it shares similar symptoms of schizophrenia - basically pychosis.
Ive had 5 psychoses - first in 1990, then 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006.
It's probably one of the less common mental illnesses (I notice there is not a designated section for Schizo Affective Disorder on this website) and therefore less understood.
I think it is less severe than schizophrenia, in that most sufferers can lead "normal" lives - by which I mean, can hold down a steady job and maintain social relationships. (Apologies to schizophrenia sufferers here - I dont mean to imply schizophrenics are unable to lead "normal" lives).
I tend to generally be depressed, but not severely, but can float in and out.
I also can be anxious in social situations, but the meds seem to control that to a certain extent. I can be "detached" mentally from people too.
Hope this sheds some light on it for you.