What are the two main types of symptoms associated with schizophrenia?

The correct identification of the two main types of symptoms associated with schizophrenia as positive symptoms and negative symptoms is grounded in the way the disorder manifests in affected individuals.

Positive symptoms refer to those that add abnormal behaviors not typically seen in the general population. These can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. They represent an excess or distortion of normal functions and often contribute to the most recognizable aspects of schizophrenia.

Negative symptoms, on the other hand, involve a reduction or absence of normal emotional responses or behaviors. This includes diminished emotional expression, lack of motivation, withdrawal from social interactions, and a decrease in verbal communication. Such symptoms lead to significant challenges in daily functioning and social interactions.

The classification into these two categories helps in understanding the complexity of schizophrenia and aids clinicians in diagnosing and tailoring effective treatment strategies. Other options, such as physical or emotional symptoms, anxiety or mood symptoms, and behavioral or cognitive symptoms, do not encapsulate the primary distinctions recognized in the psychiatric literature specific to schizophrenia.