Positive And Negative Symptoms

Question 1

Define positive symptoms in terms of schizophrenia

Answer 1

Refers ro the excesses or symptoms that bave been added to the patient’s personality because they have schizophrenia. These symptoms weren’t present when healthy.

Question 2

Define negative symptoms in terms of schizophrenia.

Answer 2

Refers to the reduction or loss of normal functioning. The person will have a weakened ability to cope and manage everyday life because of their illness.

Question 3

What are examples of positive symptoms?

Answer 3

• halluncinations
• delusions
• disorganised speech
• grossly disorganised / catatonic behaviour

Question 4

What are examples of negative symptoms?

Answer 4

• speech disorganisation
• avolition / apathy
• affective flattening / blunting
• anhedonia

Question 5

Define hallucinations

Answer 5

The experience of perceiving objects / events that do not have an external source
e.g. hearing voices that no one else hears

Question 6

Define delusions

Answer 6

A belief that is clearly false and contradicts reality

e.g. thinking that someone is trying to harm you

Question 7

Define speech poverty

Answer 7

A significant decrease in speech that typically must be prompted

Question 8

Define avolition

Answer 8

A reduced interest / desire or the inability to intiate in goal directed behaviours. Effects of this include poor hygiene and a lack of energy.
e.g. being content sitting alone, doing nothing rather than interact with others

Question 9

What is the DSM-V?

Answer 9

Diagnostic Statisical Manual 5th Edition

Question 10

What is the ICD-10?

Answer 10

International Classifications of Diseases 10th Edition