Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative symptoms are deficits in functioning related to motivation and interest (avolition, anhedonia, asociality), or expression (blunted affect, alogia) that are not easy to identify and are often mistaken for depression. Negative symptoms are often the first symptoms of Schizophrenia but are often unrecognized and go undiagnosed until the patient experiences a psychotic episode. Negative symptoms are experienced by 60% of patients with Schizophrenia may come and go during the course of one’s illness.
Negative symptoms of Schizophrenia can leave a person socially isolated and lessen their quality of life. A person experiencing negative symptoms of Schizophrenia will likely feel a diminished sense of purpose and may need help with their everyday activities. Negative symptoms are not always well treated by antipsychotic medications and are more likely to cause a patient to be unable to live alone.
Five Types of Negative Symptoms:
Blunted Affect, (emotional inexpressiveness and unresponsiveness).
Blunted Affect limits one’s ability to convey emotions through:
- Diminished facial expressions
- Lack of eye contact
- Fewer gestures
- Monotone voice
Alogia, (poverty of speech)
- Decrease in verbal output and verbal expressiveness.
- Limited or halted speech
- Only answering questions with yes/no answers
- Difficulty carrying on a conversation
Avolition, (lack of initiative and spontaneity)
- Emotional withdrawal/apathy
- Unable to begin, sustain, or complete activities
- Inability to complete daily tasks:
- Bathing/personal hygiene
- Paying bills
- Attending school/work
- Making appointments
- Disinterest in special occasions/events
- Avoiding phone calls
Asocial, (diminished social drive)
- Disinterest in social activities
- Social isolation, increased interest in spending time alone
- Poor relationships
Anhedonia, (inability to show or feel pleasure)
- Inability to enjoy hobbies and activities that one used to enjoy
- Lack of interest in sexual activity
- A lack of enthusiasm and lower quality of life
If you or a loved one are experiencing negative symptoms of Schizophrenia, we are currently enrolling for the Avanir 18-AVP-786-207 negative symptoms study, call us at 314-282-3521 to come in for a pre-screen, or find more information below:
Currently Enrolling Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia Study:
Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia Website