Which of the following is NOT considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

Avolition is considered a negative symptom of schizophrenia rather than a positive symptom. Positive symptoms refer to the presence of behaviors or experiences that are typically not seen in healthy individuals, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech.

Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices, which is a clear manifestation of positive symptomology. Delusions are false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, representing another classic example of a positive symptom. Disorganized speech manifests as incoherent or nonsensical language, indicating a disorganized thought process, which also falls under positive symptoms due to its outward, observable nature.

Avolition, on the other hand, is characterized by a decrease in the motivation to initiate and sustain purposeful activities. This lack of initiative is not something that adds to the experience of schizophrenia in the way that positive symptoms do; instead, it reflects a deficit in function and presents as a withdrawal from social interactions or a failure to engage in self-care, classifying it as a negative symptom. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for understanding the varied symptomatology associated with schizophrenia.