negative symptoms
Diminished or absent normal functions in schizophrenia, including reduced emotional expression, motivation, and speech.
Full Definition
Negative symptoms in schizophrenia refer to the reduction or absence of normal psychological functions, contrasting with positive symptoms which involve the presence of abnormal experiences. The primary negative symptoms include affective flattening (reduced emotional expression), avolition (lack of motivation and goal-directed behavior), alogia (poverty of speech), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), and social withdrawal. These symptoms are particularly challenging to treat and are strongly associated with functional impairment and poor quality of life. Negative symptoms may be primary (directly related to the underlying pathophysiology of schizophrenia) or secondary (resulting from positive symptoms, depression, medication side effects, or environmental factors). Assessment and differentiation of negative symptoms is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify context (schizophrenia) as 'negative' can be misinterpreted in other clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The patient's negative symptoms, particularly severe avolition and social withdrawal, proved more disabling than the controlled positive symptoms." — Longitudinal treatment assessment
- "Distinguishing primary negative symptoms from secondary effects of depression or antipsychotic medication remains challenging in clinical practice." — Symptom assessment guidelines