Final answer:
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, and odd behaviors referred to as 'eccentricity.' These symptoms result from abnormal dopamine neurotransmission in the brain, and are often managed with antipsychotic medications that block dopamine receptors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the presence of abnormal experiences such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Delusions are a hallmark of these symptoms, characterized by strong beliefs maintained despite evidence to the contrary. An attribute such as 'eccentricity' might be evident in individuals with schizophrenia, presenting as oddness or unusual behavior which can manifest as a symptom of the disorder. People with schizophrenia may show a range of these positive symptoms, which can severely impact their reality testing and social interactions.
The development of schizophrenia involves complex neurological changes, often affecting the dopamine and glutamate signaling systems in the brain. Antipsychotic medications are typically prescribed to reduce the overactive dopamine neurotransmission, consequently alleviating symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. However, these treatments do not cure the disorder and are used to manage symptoms long-term.
Certain personality theories, such as those proposed by Eysenck, suggest that high levels of psychoticism correlate with traits like coldness, impulsiveness, and nonconformity, which may overlap with the symptoms of schizophrenia, including traits of 'eccentricity.' Nonetheless, the specific presentation and severity of symptoms can vary significantly from patient to patient.