Positive symptoms of psychosis are specific changes in behaviour or thoughts that appear during a psychotic episode.
Based on the reference provided, positive symptoms are defined as any change in behaviour or thoughts, such as hallucinations or delusions. Unlike negative symptoms, which involve a loss of function (like withdrawal or lack of emotion), positive symptoms are additions or exaggerations of normal mental processes. They represent the presence of experiences or beliefs that are not based in reality.
Key Characteristics of Positive Symptoms
These symptoms are called "positive" because they add something to a person's experience or behaviour, rather than taking something away. They are often the most recognizable signs of a psychotic disorder.
The primary examples highlighted in the definition are:
- Hallucinations: These are sensory experiences that occur in the absence of an external stimulus. A person might see, hear, smell, taste, or feel things that aren't actually there.
- Examples: Hearing voices when no one is speaking, seeing objects or people that others don't see.
- Delusions: These are strong, false beliefs that are not consistent with the person's culture and are not shaken by evidence to the contrary.
- Examples: Believing one is being persecuted or spied on (persecutory delusions), believing one has special powers or is a famous person (grandiose delusions), believing external events are specifically directed at them (referential delusions).
Understanding "Change in Behaviour or Thoughts"
The definition "any change in behaviour or thoughts" captures the essence of positive symptoms. This change is significant and represents a departure from a person's typical state. It can manifest as:
- Disorganized Thinking/Speech: Difficulty organizing thoughts or expressing them coherently. Speech might be jumbled or follow illogical patterns.
- Disorganized or Catatonic Behaviour: Unpredictable or inappropriate actions, or a complete lack of response to the environment (catatonia).
| Positive Symptom Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Hallucinations | Sensory experiences without external stimuli | Hearing voices, seeing things others don't |
| Delusions | False, fixed beliefs | Belief of being spied on, belief in special powers |
| Disorganized Thought | Illogical or jumbled thinking/speech | Difficulty following a conversation, incoherent speech |
| Disorganized Behaviour | Unpredictable or inappropriate actions | Peculiar movements, lack of response (catatonia) |
Recognizing these changes is crucial for understanding and addressing psychosis.
