Which of the following is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Social withdrawal
• B. Hallucinations
• C. Reduced emotional expression
• D. Flat affect

Answer: (B)

Hallucinations are classified as positive symptoms of schizophrenia because they represent an excess or distortion of normal functions. Positive symptoms include experiences or behaviors that are added to a person's normal state, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and abnormal motor behavior. Hallucinations, which can involve seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not present, significantly impact a person's perception of reality and can lead to distress and impaired function.

In contrast, the other options listed are negative symptoms, which refer to a decrease or loss of normal functions. Social withdrawal, reduced emotional expression, and flat affect all indicate a diminishment in emotional responsiveness or social engagement, which are characteristic of the negative symptom domain in schizophrenia. Understanding the distinction between positive and negative symptoms is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment in managing schizophrenia.