You don't say if this is on-access or on-demand scanning ?
So, its a Yes and No (as essentially they can be/are different).
Whilst avast is considered an antivirus, there are very few true viruses, so much of what is discovered would be considered malicious (Malware).
If you are talking about PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Program)
A PUP, is to a degree in the 'eyes of the user', what is unwanted or wanted by the user. e.g. did they want it and did they install it. So in the on-demand scans there is an option to scan for PUPs or not.
Malware should generally be covered by the on-access scanners. Though they too could be found in on-demand scans.
I suggest that you spend some time looking at the options in the scan settings and the core shield settings.
