Which of the following are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia?

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Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are characterized by the presence of abnormal thoughts or behaviors not typically seen in individuals without the disorder. Hallucinations, which involve perceiving things that are not present (such as hearing voices or seeing things), and delusions, which are strong beliefs that are not based in reality (such as thinking one has superpowers or is being persecuted), are hallmark features of the disorder. These symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal functions, making them central to the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

In contrast, the other choices present symptoms that are often classified differently. Flat affect and poor social functioning reflect negative symptoms; negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence in normal functionality, such as emotional expression and social engagement. Memory loss and apathy, as well as social withdrawal and disorganization, also align more closely with negative symptoms or cognitive dysfunction, rather than the positive symptoms that are the focus of this question.

Thus, hallucinations and delusions distinctly represent the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, showcasing the disorder's intrusion into an individual's perception and cognition.

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