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[Positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia: a current overview]
1Centre de recherche Université Laval Robert-Giffard, Beauport, Québec.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Crow's schizophrenia subtypes show some validity, particularly regarding negative symptoms predicting deterioration and cognitive deficits. However, negative symptoms may be dimensions, not distinct diseases, and are not always irreversible.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Context:
- Crow's model proposes distinct positive and negative subtypes of schizophrenia.
- Evaluating the empirical support for these proposed subtypes is crucial for understanding schizophrenia's heterogeneity.
Purpose:
- To critically review and synthesize research findings on the validity of Crow's positive and negative schizophrenia subtypes.
- To assess whether empirical data confirm the predictions derived from Crow's model.
Summary:
- Data generally support the accurate measurement of negative symptoms, their predictive value for deterioration, correlation with cognitive deficits, and distinct neurobiological underpinnings.
- However, the model requires modification: negative symptoms may be better viewed as dimensions rather than separate diseases, potentially influenced by external factors and reversible.
- At least three dimensions are needed to describe schizophrenia, and positive symptoms, especially disorganization, can also correlate with cognitive deficits.
Impact:
- Refines our understanding of schizophrenia's complex symptom structure and neurobiology.
- Suggests a dimensional rather than categorical approach to negative symptoms in schizophrenia research and treatment.
- Highlights the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting negative symptoms, challenging their perceived irreversibility.