What are the primary symptoms of schizophrenia?

The primary symptoms of schizophrenia are indeed characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and avolition. Hallucinations often involve hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t present, which can significantly distort a person’s perception of reality. Delusions are firmly held false beliefs that are often paranoid, grandiose, or bizarre in nature, leading individuals to have distorted views of themselves and others. Disorganized thinking can manifest as incoherent speech or an inability to organize thoughts, which makes communication difficult and can disrupt everyday functioning. Avolition refers to a lack of motivation to engage in self-initiated purposeful activities, which can affect personal hygiene and social engagement.

The other options describe symptoms characteristic of different mental health conditions. For instance, constant sadness, fatigue, lack of interest, and sleep disturbances are more aligned with depressive disorders, whereas excessive worry, panic attacks, and avoidance behavior are indicative of anxiety disorders. Lastly, intense mood swings, impulsivity, and irritability may suggest a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder or could be seen in personality disorders, but do not specifically represent symptoms of schizophrenia.