Schizophrenia is characterized by which of the following symptoms?

Schizophrenia is primarily characterized by the presence of delusions and hallucinations, which are fundamental symptoms of the disorder. Delusions are false beliefs that are firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, while hallucinations involve sensing things that are not present, typically auditory hallucinations where individuals may hear voices.

These symptoms significantly impact a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The presence of such psychotic symptoms is what distinguishes schizophrenia from other mental health disorders, as it is primarily a psychotic disorder clearly marked by these severe symptoms.

In contrast, while extreme mood swings may be observed in other disorders such as bipolar disorder, and excessive worrying is typically associated with anxiety disorders, these do not define schizophrenia. Social withdrawal can occur in schizophrenia, but it often relates more to the overwhelming effects of psychotic symptoms rather than occurring without a reason. The hallmark designation of schizophrenia lies firmly in the realm of delusions and hallucinations.