Journal of psychiatric research
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The Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) have been conceptualized as two neural motivational systems that regulate sensitivity to punishment (BIS) and reward (BAS). Imbalance in BIS and BAS levels has been reported to be related to various forms of psychopathology. Since sensitivity to stress has been supposed to be a pathway for the development of psychotic symptoms, the aim of this study is to examine BIS and BAS scores in schizophrenia and their relationship with psychopathology and physiology. ⋯ Male as well as female patients with schizophrenia are more sensitive to threat than healthy controls. This may reflect a trait-related characteristic, and is not reflected in state-related psychophysiological measures.