What are considered positive symptoms of Schizophrenia?

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to experiences and behaviors that are present in individuals with the disorder but are not typically observed in healthy individuals. These symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal functions. Hallucinations, for instance, involve perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not. Irrational thought often manifests as disorganized thinking or speech that does not follow a logical progression. Delusions are false beliefs that are strongly held despite evidence to the contrary, such as believing one has extraordinary abilities or is being persecuted.

In contrast, the other options describe symptoms that fall under different categories. For example, social withdrawal and lack of speech point to negative symptoms, which involve the diminishment or absence of normal emotions or thoughts. Confused speech and poor hygiene are more indicative of the disorder's impact on functioning rather than the addition of abnormal experiences. Similarly, the inability to engage with the external world also reflects a negative symptom rather than a positive one. Thus, the correct response accurately captures the essence of what constitutes positive symptoms in schizophrenia.