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AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)
Mental Health Nursing
Easy

According to DSM IV, the positive symptoms of Schizophrenia include:

A. Hallucinations

B. Delusions

C. Disorganized Speech/Thought

D. Flat affect, Alogia, Avolition

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2017 (Shift-1)

Explanation

  • Positive symptoms in schizophrenia are psychotic behaviors not generally seen in healthy people; they represent an addition to or distortion of normal functions.
  • Hallucinations (item A) are sensory experiences that occur in the absence of an external stimulus and are a hallmark positive symptom.
  • Delusions (item B) are firmly held false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary, another core positive symptom.
  • Disorganized speech or thought disorder (item C) reflects an inability to think logically and speak in a coherent manner, which is also classified as a positive symptom.
  • The correct option combines all three of these classic positive symptoms.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: This option is incorrect because it includes item 'd' (Flat affect, Alogia, Avolition), which represents negative symptoms, not positive ones.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because it includes item 'd' (Flat affect, Alogia, Avolition), which are negative symptoms.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because it includes item 'd' (Flat affect, Alogia, Avolition), which are classic negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Related Visual

column chart comparing positive symptoms e.g., hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech with icons and negative symptoms e.g., flat affect, alogia, avolition with icons...
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Schizophrenia Symptoms (Positive vs. Negative) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Differentiating between positive and negative symptoms is critical for tailoring treatment. First-generation antipsychotics are more effective against positive symptoms, while atypical antipsychotics may have some efficacy for negative symptoms.
  • The predominance of negative symptoms is often associated with poorer long-term outcomes, social withdrawal, and functional disability.
  • Nurses must assess for both types of symptoms to provide a comprehensive picture of the patient's condition, monitor treatment effectiveness, and plan for psychosocial support.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, understand the question's core concept: it asks to identify the 'positive' symptoms of schizophrenia.
  • Define 'positive symptoms' in your mind. These are symptoms that add abnormal behaviors or experiences (e.g., hallucinations, delusions).
  • Define 'negative symptoms' as a contrast. These are symptoms that involve a loss or deficit of normal functions (e.g., lack of emotion, speech, or motivation).
  • Evaluate each item listed (A, B, C, D) and categorize it as either positive or negative.
  • Item A (Hallucinations), B (Delusions), and C (Disorganized Speech) are all additions of abnormal experiences, so they are positive.
  • Item D (Flat affect, Alogia, Avolition) represents deficits in function, so it is negative.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Classification of Schizophrenia Symptoms (Positive vs. Negative)
  • Stem keywords: Schizophrenia, DSM IV, positive symptoms
  • Lead-in keywords: include
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QJFYxpKjfrnJZuhFsL7GWY

Reference Book

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 1097-1099

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 5187-5189

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