Psychotherapy High Wycombe Psychotherapy High Wycombe - Last updated 16 January 2025

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psychopathology: symptom

In behavioral health care as in general medicine, when an individual complains of a subjectively experienced disturbance or unpleasant perceptionsuch as pain or anxiety, we call this a symptom. We distinguish this from a sign such as slurred speech which a professional can observe.

Also: symptoms, symptomatic, complaint, chief complaint

• negative symptoms
• positive symptoms

The online Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists most of the major psychological disorders and illnesses and lists the criteria that must be fulfilled in order for a diagnosis to be made. This resource is not a substitute for proper professional psychiatric diagnosis.