What area of the brain is linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

The limbic system is intricately involved in the regulation of emotions, motivation, and various aspects of memory. It plays a crucial role in emotional responses, which are significantly altered in individuals experiencing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. Specifically, the overactivity of dopaminergic pathways within this region, particularly the mesolimbic pathway, is associated with these positive symptoms.

The prefrontal cortex, while important for executive function and may explain some negative symptoms of schizophrenia, is not primarily linked to the positive symptoms. The cerebellum is more associated with motor control and cognitive functions, while the hippocampus is crucial for memory consolidation and may contribute to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia rather than the classic positive symptoms. Thus, the limbic system is the area most directly connected to the manifestation of positive symptoms in schizophrenia.