Negative symptoms in schizophrenia refer to symptoms reflecting a decrease in the ability to function normally.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. They reflect increased activity
• D. They are mood-related only

Answer: (A)

Negative symptoms are deficits in normal functioning, such as reduced motivation, diminished speech, blunted affect, and social withdrawal. They reflect a decrease in the person’s ability to engage in and experience everyday activities, rather than an excess of activity or mood change. The statement is true because these symptoms show up as avolition (lack of goal-directed behavior), alogia (poverty of speech), anhedonia (loss of pleasure), affective flattening, and asociality, all indicating reduced functioning. They are not about increased activity, and they are not solely mood-related—though mood symptoms can occur, negative symptoms represent specific deficits in motivation, expression, and social interaction that can persist and contribute to poorer functional outcomes.