Negative symptoms are best described as?

Negative symptoms are best described as?

• A. Symptoms marked by deficits in functioning, such as apathy, lack of emotion, and slowed speech and movement
• B. Heightened mood and increased energy
• C. Rapid shifts in mood
• D. Increased interest in social interactions

Answer: (A)

Negative symptoms involve a reduction or loss of normal functioning. They show up as things like apathy, diminished emotional expression (flat affect), and slowed speech or movements—losses in motivation, affect, and psychomotor activity. These reflect decreases in what the person can or wants to do, feel, or express, rather than new experiences being added. By contrast, the other options describe increased energy or mood, rapid mood changes, or more social engagement, which are not characteristic of negative symptoms.

Negative symptoms involve a reduction or loss of normal functioning. They show up as things like apathy, diminished emotional expression (flat affect), and slowed speech or movements—losses in motivation, affect, and psychomotor activity. These reflect decreases in what the person can or wants to do, feel, or express, rather than new experiences being added. By contrast, the other options describe increased energy or mood, rapid mood changes, or more social engagement, which are not characteristic of negative symptoms.