Question

Which of these are symptoms of schizophrenia? Check all that apply.

expressing emotions less intensely
compulsively repeating an action
wanting to keep things symmetrical
seeing something that is not there
having a fear of germs
having disorganized thoughts

Answer 1

Symptoms of schizophrenia (check all that apply):

- expressing emotions less intensely — Yes (a negative symptom; flattened affect)
- seeing something that is not there — Yes (hallucinations; a positive symptom)
- having disorganized thoughts — Yes (thought disorder; a core symptom)

Not typical symptoms of schizophrenia:

- compulsively repeating an action — No (compulsions; characteristic of OCD)
- wanting to keep things symmetrical — No (an OCD-type symptom)
- having a fear of germs — No (contamination fear, typically OCD/anxiety)