negative symptoms
Schizophrenia symptoms characterized by absence or reduction of normal functions, including flat affect, alogia, and avolition.
Full Definition
Negative symptoms in schizophrenia refer to the absence or diminishment of normal psychological functions, contrasting with positive symptoms which involve excess or distortion of normal functions. The five core negative symptoms are flat affect (reduced emotional expression), alogia (reduced speech), avolition (reduced goal-directed behavior), anhedonia (reduced capacity for pleasure), and asociality (reduced social interaction). These symptoms are particularly challenging to treat and significantly impact functional outcomes. They are typically assessed using scales like the PANSS negative subscale or the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS).
Usage
Usage note: Always use 'negative symptoms' not 'negative symptomatology' in formal writing.
In Context
- "The study's primary endpoint was improvement in negative symptoms as measured by PANSS negative subscale scores." — Clinical trial objective
- "Negative symptoms proved more treatment-resistant than positive symptoms in the patient cohort." — Results discussion