Which of the following is a positive symptom?

• A. Delusions
• B. Affective disturbance
• C. Cognitive impairment
• D. Alogia

Answer: (A)

Positive symptoms are experiences added to normal functioning, such as beliefs or experiences that distort reality. Delusions fit this category because they are fixed false beliefs held despite clear evidence to the contrary, reflecting an excess of psychotic thinking. Affective disturbance refers to mood changes, which are not additions to reality testing. Cognitive impairment involves problems with memory or problem-solving, a deficit rather than an added symptom. Alogia is a decrease in speech output, a negative symptom. So, delusions are the best example of a positive symptom.