Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of schizophrenia as described in a typical HESI case study?

• A. Obsessive hand washing
• B. Sudden memory loss for recent events
• C. Elevated mood with increased energy
• D. Auditory hallucinations

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core symptoms of schizophrenia by reviewing its diagnostic criteria, which typically include positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, negative symptoms like social withdrawal, and cognitive symptoms.
2. Step 2: Identify the symptom options given: obsessive hand washing, sudden memory loss for recent events, elevated mood with increased energy, and auditory hallucinations.
3. Step 3: Recognize that obsessive hand washing is more characteristic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), not schizophrenia.
4. Step 4: Note that sudden memory loss for recent events is more aligned with conditions like amnesia or dementia, rather than schizophrenia.
5. Step 5: Understand that elevated mood with increased energy is typical of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, whereas auditory hallucinations are a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia, making them the most characteristic symptom in this context.