Part III. Speculations on the Processes That Underlie Schizophrenic Symptoms and Signs

Abstract

Discusses the underlying processes of schizophrenic symptoms and their relationship to the continuum characteristics, possible multiplicity, antecedents, and outcome of schizophrenia. Findings about the antecedents of the kinds of schizophrenic manifestations and the processes they reflect suggest that (a) positive symptoms may reflect a nonspecific process that can be a reaction to a variety of causes, including organic, psychological, or family environment conditions; (b) negative symptoms may be interpreted as reflecting a process that arises from the chronicity of some primary disorder or as a response to society's reaction to other symptoms of the patient; and (c) disorders of personal relationships appear to have their own longitudinal history and consistency as a psychological process. These 3 suggestions are integrated into a multi-process conception of schizophrenia. The need to consider the etiology, outcome, and treatment requirements of each process and also the relationships among processes is emphasized. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)