What are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to an excess or distortion of normal functions, which are evident in the patient's experience of reality. Hallucinations and delusions fall under this category as they represent additional phenomena that are not typically present in individuals without the disorder.

Hallucinations involve perceiving sensory experiences that do not exist, such as hearing voices, while delusions consist of strong beliefs that are inconsistent with reality, such as believing one has special powers or is being persecuted. Both of these symptoms significantly impact an individual's thought processes and perceptions of reality, making them classic indicators of positive symptoms in schizophrenia.

Other options, while they describe symptoms associated with schizophrenia, reflect negative symptoms or deficits in emotional responsiveness and social functioning rather than an excess of experience. Flattened emotional responses, avolition (lack of motivation), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), social withdrawal, and apathy indicate a reduction or absence of typical emotional responses and behaviors. This distinction between positive and negative symptoms is crucial for understanding schizophrenia and its treatment.