A positive symptom refers to changes in thoughts and feelings that are added to a person's experiences. In other words, they are symptoms that are not typically present in healthy individuals.
Understanding Positive Symptoms
According to provided reference, "Positive' symptoms are changes in thoughts and feelings that are “added on” to a person's experiences (e.g., paranoia or hearing voices)." This means these symptoms are an excess or distortion of normal functions.
Examples of Positive Symptoms
Here are some common examples of positive symptoms:
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not there. Example: Hearing voices when no one is speaking.
- Delusions: False beliefs that are firmly held even when there is evidence to the contrary. Example: Believing that you have special powers or that someone is plotting against you.
- Disorganized Thinking (Thought Disorder): Difficulty organizing thoughts and speaking coherently. Example: Rapidly shifting from one unrelated topic to another, making it difficult to follow the conversation.
- Disorganized Behavior: Unusual or bizarre behavior. Example: Difficulty with daily tasks like personal hygiene or dressing appropriately.
- Movement Disorders: Agitation or repetitive movements.
Positive vs. Negative Symptoms
It's crucial to differentiate between positive and negative symptoms. While positive symptoms add to a person's experience, negative symptoms take away from it.
| Feature | Positive Symptoms | Negative Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Additions to normal experiences | Reduction or absence of normal functions or behaviors |
| Examples | Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking | Reduced motivation, flat affect, social withdrawal, poverty of speech |
| Impact | Distortions or exaggerations of normal functioning | Loss or decrease in normal functioning |
In Summary
Positive symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal functions, making them distinct from negative symptoms, which involve a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotions. Understanding this distinction is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
