What term refers to the presence of abnormal behaviors in psychological conditions?

The term that refers to the presence of abnormal behaviors in psychological conditions is best described as positive symptoms. This terminology is primarily used in the context of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, where positive symptoms are characterized by an excess or distortion of normal functions. These may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and other behaviors reflecting a departure from typical mental functioning.

Positive symptoms help clinicians identify and diagnose these conditions based on observable and reported phenomena that indicate a break from reality. They contrast with negative symptoms, which refer to the absence or diminishment of normal emotional responses or behaviors, such as apathy, lack of emotion, or withdrawal from social life. Understanding these distinctions is key in the evaluation and treatment of psychological disorders.