What is meant by “positive” and “negative” symptoms of schizophrenia?
• Answer: Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are those attributes that are added to the personality, such as delusions or hallucinations, indicating the person has lost touch with reality. In this sense positive does not mean “good”, but instead refers to “extra” or additional brain activity that should not be there. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are those which are indicative of an “under-functioning” personality. Examples include a lack of emotional input or expression, or an inability to socially interact or take pleasure from interactions with others.
