Which of the following is an example of a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

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Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to symptoms that represent an excess or distortion of normal functions. These can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, which are indicators of a break from reality. In this context, hallucinations are sensory experiences that occur in the absence of an external stimulus, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there. This type of symptom suggests the presence of abnormal perceptions or thoughts, which is a hallmark of schizophrenia.

In contrast, blunt affect, anhedonia, and poverty of speech are classified as negative symptoms. Blunt affect pertains to the reduced display of emotions, anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure, and poverty of speech describes a reduction in the amount or content of speech. These symptoms indicate a loss or deficit of normal emotional and cognitive functions rather than an increase or distortion, making them distinct from the positive symptoms like hallucinations. Thus, the identification of hallucinations as a positive symptom highlights the disruptive nature of this condition and its profound impact on perception and reality.

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