What would be a sign of positive symptoms in schizophrenia?

In the context of schizophrenia, positive symptoms refer to an excess or distortion of normal functions. These symptoms include experiences or behaviors that are not typically observed in healthy individuals. Hallucinations and delusions are key examples of positive symptoms.

Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist in reality, which can significantly impact an individual's ability to function and perceive the world. Delusions are strongly held beliefs that are not based in reality, such as believing one has extraordinary powers or that they are being persecuted. These experiences can lead to significant distress and disruption in a person's life, making them classic examples of the positive symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

In contrast, other signs such as apathy, social withdrawal, and fatigue are generally categorized as negative symptoms. Negative symptoms reflect a decrease or loss of normal function or capabilities, rather than an addition of abnormal experiences or behaviors.