Which symptom cluster is considered negative in schizophrenia?

Which symptom cluster is considered negative in schizophrenia?

• A. Delusions and hallucinations.
• B. Euphoria and increased energy.
• C. Apathy/avolition, alogia, diminished affect, anhedonia, and social withdrawal.
• D. Disorganized speech.

Answer: (C)

Negative symptoms are deficits in normal functioning—losses rather than additions to behavior. The cluster that includes apathy/avolition, alogia, diminished affect, anhedonia, and social withdrawal fits this idea because it shows lack of motivation, reduced speech, reduced emotional expression, diminished capacity to experience pleasure, and less social engagement. These are about what the person is not doing or feeling, rather than new or added experiences. Delusions and hallucinations are classic positive symptoms—things that are added to experience. Disorganized speech is also a positive/disorganized symptom, reflecting disruption in thought and communication. Euphoria and increased energy point to manic-like states, not the deficit-focused pattern of negative symptoms.

Negative symptoms are deficits in normal functioning—losses rather than additions to behavior. The cluster that includes apathy/avolition, alogia, diminished affect, anhedonia, and social withdrawal fits this idea because it shows lack of motivation, reduced speech, reduced emotional expression, diminished capacity to experience pleasure, and less social engagement. These are about what the person is not doing or feeling, rather than new or added experiences.

Delusions and hallucinations are classic positive symptoms—things that are added to experience. Disorganized speech is also a positive/disorganized symptom, reflecting disruption in thought and communication. Euphoria and increased energy point to manic-like states, not the deficit-focused pattern of negative symptoms.