positive symptoms
Psychotic symptoms that represent an excess or distortion of normal functions, including delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
Full Definition
Positive symptoms in psychiatry refer to psychotic manifestations that are 'added' to normal mental functioning, representing an excess or distortion of typical psychological processes. These include delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations (false perceptions), disorganized speech, and grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior. In schizophrenia research, positive symptoms are distinguished from negative symptoms and are typically more responsive to antipsychotic medications. The term 'positive' does not indicate that these symptoms are beneficial, but rather that they represent the presence of abnormal experiences.
Usage
Usage note: Always use plural form; distinguish clearly from 'negative symptoms' in psychiatric contexts.
In Context
- "The antipsychotic significantly reduced positive symptoms but had minimal effect on negative symptoms." — Clinical trial results
- "Patients with prominent positive symptoms were more likely to respond to treatment." — Efficacy analysis