Which symptom is a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Disorganized thinking and speech.
• B. Intense fear of abandonment.
• C. Excessive sleep.
• D. Compulsive washing.

Answer: (A)

Disorganized thinking and speech is a classic example of a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms are experiences added to normal functioning, and this symptom reflects that thought processes become fragmented or illogical, leading to speech that can be difficult to follow or nonsensical. In schizophrenia, such disorganized thinking is observable and stands out as a hallmark among positive symptoms, alongside delusions and hallucinations. The other options point to features more typical of different conditions—intense fear of abandonment is common in certain personality disorders, excessive sleep can occur with depression or sleep disorders, and compulsive washing is characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder.