Which symptoms are considered positive and negative in schizophrenia?

• A. Positive: Flat effect, Negative: Delusions
• B. Positive: Hallucinations, Negative: Flat effect
• C. Positive: Disorganized speech, Negative: Social withdrawal
• D. Positive: Antisocial behavior, Negative: Emotional blunting

Answer: (B)

In schizophrenia, symptoms are categorized as positive or negative based on their nature and impact on an individual's behavior and experience. Positive symptoms are characterized by the presence of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, or behaviors that are not typically present in healthy individuals. These include hallucinations, which involve hearing or seeing things that aren’t there, and delusions, which are false beliefs strongly held despite contrary evidence.

Negative symptoms, on the other hand, refer to the absence or reduction of normal emotional responses or behaviors. Flat affect is a prime example, as it describes a diminished emotional expression, making it difficult for individuals to express feelings or exhibit changing emotions in social contexts. This absence can significantly impact a person's ability to engage socially and emotionally.

The answer provided correctly identifies hallucinations as a positive symptom of schizophrenia because they reflect a distortion or addition to normal perceptions. Conversely, flat affect is clearly marked as a negative symptom since it indicates a lack of emotional reactivity and normal functioning. Understanding this distinction is crucial in interpreting symptoms of schizophrenia effectively.