Read the passage and answer the questions:
Anita is often found talking to herself alone. Her family is concerned because they have seen a gradual decline in her social life. She has stopped meeting her friends and chooses to stay inside, fantasizing about her idea of new world wherein she is the creator of a utopian territory with absolute law. A friend suggested that they take her to a therapist for treatment. It was observed that whenever she was approached by someone for a conversation, she would get agitated and blame them for stealing her ideas and thoughts. She is not able to think logically. She speaks in a peculiar way. Her situation is affecting both her social and personal life; the disturbed thought process is disrupting her basic functioning and thought process.
What are the ‘positive symptoms’ of Schizophrenia?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Pathological excesses or bizarre additions in behaviour
The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three groups: positive symptoms (excesses), negative symptoms (deficits) and psychomotor symptoms.
Option (1) Deficits of thought, emotion and behaviour — Incorrect. These are the negative symptoms, ‘pathological deficits’ such as poverty of speech, blunted and flat affect, loss of volition and social withdrawal.
Option (2) Odd grimaces, lack of spontaneity in movement — Incorrect. These are psychomotor symptoms: people move less spontaneously or make odd grimaces and gestures, which in extreme form becomes catatonia.
Option (3) Pathological excesses or bizarre additions in behaviour — Correct. Positive symptoms are ‘pathological excesses’ or ‘bizarre additions’ to a person’s behaviour. Delusions, disorganised thinking and speech, heightened perception and hallucinations, and inappropriate affect are the ones most often found, all seen in Anita.
Option (4) Change in body weight, constant sleep problems — Incorrect. These belong to major depressive disorder, along with tiredness, inability to think straight and slowed behaviour. They are not symptoms that define schizophrenia.
NCERT (2025-26): “Symptoms of Schizophrenia The symptoms of schizophrenia can be grouped into three categories, viz. positive symptoms (i.e. excesses of thought, emotion, and behaviour), negative symptoms (i.e. deficits of thought, emotion, and behaviour), and psychomotor symptoms. Positive symptoms are ‘pathological excesses’ or ‘bizarre additions’ to a person’s behaviour. Delusions, disorganised thinking and speech, heightened perception and hallucinations, and inappropriate affect are the ones most often found in schizophrenia.…” “…People with schizophrenia also show psychomotor symptoms. They move less spontaneously or make odd grimaces and gestures.…” |