alogia
Pronunciation: ah-LOW-jee-ah
A negative symptom of schizophrenia characterized by poverty of speech or thought content.
Full Definition
Alogia refers to a reduction in the quantity or content of speech, representing one of the core negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It can manifest as poverty of speech (reduced amount of spontaneous speech) or poverty of content (speech that conveys little information despite normal quantity). Patients may give brief, concrete answers to questions, fail to elaborate on topics, or speak in vague, empty phrases. This symptom differs from mutism in that the patient retains the ability to speak but produces less meaningful or informative communication. Alogia significantly impacts social and occupational functioning.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from poverty of content (normal quantity, reduced meaning) versus poverty of speech (reduced quantity).
In Context
- "The patient's alogia was evident in his monosyllabic responses to open-ended questions." — Mental status examination
- "Assessment revealed alogia as part of the negative symptom constellation." — Psychiatric evaluation