What is the main characteristic of Schizophrenia?

The defining characteristic of schizophrenia is the presence of distinct symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and marked impairment in functioning across various areas of life. Delusions refer to fixed false beliefs that are resistant to reasoning or confrontation with actual fact. Hallucinations typically involve sensory experiences, such as hearing voices that are not present. Disorganized thinking can manifest as incoherent speech or difficulty in maintaining a logical flow of ideas, which significantly impacts communication and understanding. Additionally, these symptoms lead to severe dysfunction in everyday activities, including work, relationships, and self-care, illustrating the disorder's profound effect on an individual's life.

The other options highlight symptoms of different psychological conditions or issues that are not specific to schizophrenia. For example, chronic mood fluctuations relate more to mood disorders, while excessive anxiety in social situations is characteristic of social anxiety disorder. Difficulty adapting to change might be seen in various contexts but does not define schizophrenia, as it emphasizes other core symptoms that are more representative of the disorder.