What symptom is NOT included in the negative symptoms of schizophrenia?

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia refer to a decrease in the normal functions and behaviors that an individual typically displays. These can include a lack of emotional expression, social withdrawal, apathy, and reduced motivation.

Delusions are characterized as positive symptoms, as they involve an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as false beliefs or perceptions that are out of touch with reality. In contrast, negative symptoms represent a reduction or absence of typical emotional and behavioral functioning. Therefore, delusions do not qualify as negative symptoms.

Facial issues, which can refer to a lack of expressive facial movements, can be considered a negative symptom, as they reflect reduced emotional expressiveness. Apathy and social withdrawal are classic examples of negative symptoms, as they indicate a lack of motivation and engagement with the world, respectively.

Thus, recognizing that delusions are positive rather than negative symptoms clarifies why they do not belong in the category of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.