What type of symptoms of schizophrenia are not observed in healthy individuals?

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to an excess or distortion of normal functions and are distinctly different from typical human experiences. These symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorders, which are not present in healthy individuals. For example, experiencing auditory hallucinations or holding irrational beliefs that are not based on reality are experiences specifically associated with schizophrenia and do not occur in those without the disorder.

Negative symptoms, such as lack of motivation or emotional flatness, can sometimes appear in other mental health conditions or even among healthy individuals under particular circumstances. Cognitive symptoms, including issues with attention and memory, also can manifest in various forms and do not exclusively belong to schizophrenia. Affective symptoms, relating to mood disturbances, can be present in many people, regardless of their mental health status.

Thus, positive symptoms are unique to schizophrenia and serve as a key indicator of the disorder, helping to differentiate it from other mental health issues and from the experiences of healthy individuals.