13.1.2

(2026 Exam) Symptoms of Schizophrenia

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Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia may experience many different symptoms.

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia

  • Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are those that are not present in non-schizophrenic individuals and include hallucinations and delusions.
  • Hallucinations are unusual sensory experiences, such as hearing voices, that are not present in the environment. These voices can be very critical.
  • Hallucinations can also be visual, such as seeing people who aren’t there.
  • Delusions are irrational beliefs that can take many forms, such as believing you are a famous historical figure or under surveillance by the government.
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

  • Negative symptoms of schizophrenia involve the loss of usual abilities and experiences. Symptoms include avolition (or apathy) and speech poverty.
    • Avolition includes difficulties with goal-directed behaviour, such as personal hygiene, lack of persistence and lack of energy.
    • Speech poverty involves changes in the pattern of speech.
Speech poverty interpretations

Speech poverty interpretations

  • ICD-10 categorises speech poverty as a negative symptom because of the reduction in the amount and quality of speech, as well as a delay in verbal response during conversations.
  • DSM-5 places emphasis on speech disorganisation, rather than speech poverty. Speech can often become incoherent if the speaker changed topic mid-sentence.
  • DSM-5 classifies disorganised speech as a positive symptom.
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