Schizophrenia is characterized by which of the following?

Schizophrenia is indeed characterized by a distorted perception of reality and altered emotions. Individuals with this mental health condition often experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, which fundamentally alter their understanding of reality. For instance, they may hear voices or believe they have special powers, leading to significant disturbances in their thoughts and emotions.

Altered emotions can manifest as inappropriate emotional responses, flat affect, or a lack of emotional expression, which further complicates their interpersonal relationships. This multifaceted impairment makes it difficult for those affected to navigate everyday life and maintain social connections.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of schizophrenia. While behavioral problems may be present, they are not the sole defining characteristic of the disorder. Similarly, a lack of social skills might be a consequence of the challenges faced by individuals with schizophrenia, but it does not encompass the full scope of the condition. Lastly, a heightened sense of reality contradicts the core symptoms of schizophrenia, which revolve around a significant departure from reality.