What are considered "positive symptoms" of schizophrenia?

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the presence of abnormal thoughts and behaviors that are not typically seen in healthy individuals. Hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder are prime examples of these symptoms.

Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices. Delusions are false beliefs strongly held despite evidence to the contrary, such as believing one has special powers or is being persecuted. Thought disorder relates to problems with thought processes, which may manifest as disorganized thinking, making it difficult for a person to communicate effectively or follow a logical sequence of ideas.

In contrast, other options present what are known as negative symptoms, which reflect a decrease or loss of normal functions and behaviors. Affective flattening and avolition, social withdrawal and lack of motivation, as well as memory loss and cognitive decline do not fall into the category of positive symptoms as they indicate a reduction in emotional expression, motivation, social engagement, and cognitive abilities. Thus, the identification of positive symptoms is crucial in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia effectively, highlighting the importance of recognizing these particular manifestations of the disorder.