What describes a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

A negative symptom of schizophrenia refers to the absence or loss of normal emotional and behavioral functions. In this context, the inability to experience pleasure, known as anhedonia, distinctly characterizes a negative symptom. Individuals may struggle to find joy in activities that once brought them happiness, which significantly impacts their quality of life and social functioning.

In contrast, the other descriptions relate to positive symptoms or various responses that are not characteristic of negative symptoms. For instance, being highly responsive to external stimuli, excessive energy levels, and increased talkativeness all indicate heightened areas of functioning or experience, which do not align with the concept of negative symptoms focused on deficits in emotional or behavioral capabilities. The distinction between negative and positive symptoms is crucial in understanding the comprehensive clinical picture of schizophrenia.