Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders?

• A. Delusions
• B. Hallucinations
• C. Alogia
• D. Disorganized speech

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing negative from positive symptoms: negative symptoms are deficits or losses of normal function, while positive symptoms are additions or distortions of experience. Alogia fits the negative category because it describes a marked reduction in speech output and spontaneous verbal production. It reflects a deficit in communication rather than an added belief or perception. By contrast, delusions and hallucinations are classic positive symptoms—delusions are false beliefs held despite evidence, and hallucinations are perceptual experiences without external stimuli. Disorganized speech is also a positive symptom, indicating disorganized thinking rather than a lack of speech. So alogia is the negative symptom in this list.