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

Which apply to schizophrenia:

- expressing emotions less intensely — Yes. (This is a negative symptom: diminished emotional expression/flat affect.)
- compulsively repeating an action — No (typical of OCD; although some repetitive or catatonic behaviors can occur in schizophrenia, compulsions are an OCD feature).
- wanting to keep things symmetrical — No (an OCD-type obsession/compulsion, not a core schizophrenia symptom).
- seeing something that is not there — Yes. (Hallucinations are a positive symptom of schizophrenia.)
- having a fear of germs — No (an OCD-type obsession, not characteristic of schizophrenia).
- having disorganized thoughts — Yes. (Disorganized thinking/speech is a core symptom.)

Note: Symptoms can overlap or co-occur across disorders; a trained clinician is needed for diagnosis.