What is a common positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Delusions are recognized as a common positive symptom of schizophrenia. In the context of this mental health disorder, positive symptoms refer to the presence of behaviors or thoughts that are not typically seen in healthy individuals. Delusions manifest as false beliefs that are strongly held despite evidence to the contrary, such as believing that one has extraordinary abilities or is being persecuted. These symptoms are indicative of a break from reality, which is a key feature of schizophrenia.

Understanding positive symptoms like delusions is crucial because they directly impact how patients perceive and interact with the world around them, leading to significant impairment in functioning. In contrast, social withdrawal, apathy, and difficulty concentrating are generally classified as negative symptoms or cognitive symptoms, which reflect deficits in normal emotional responses or cognitive abilities rather than an excess of behavior or thought. This distinction is significant in both diagnosis and treatment planning for individuals with schizophrenia.