Which of the following is considered a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

In the context of schizophrenia, negative symptoms refer to a decrease or absence of normal emotional responses or behaviors. Affective flattening is a prime example of a negative symptom, as it involves a reduced expression of emotions in facial expression, voice tone, and overall demeanor. Individuals exhibiting affective flattening may seem emotionally unresponsive or indifferent, which contrasts with the wider range of emotional expression typically seen in individuals without the disorder.

In contrast, delusions and hallucinations are classified as positive symptoms, as they involve the presence of abnormal thoughts and perceptions. Delusions are persistent false beliefs, while hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not present, such as hearing voices. Disorganized speech, while also considered a positive symptom, reflects a disruption in the organization of thoughts, resulting in incoherent or nonsensical spoken words. This further emphasizes the distinction between negative and positive symptoms in schizophrenia, solidifying why affective flattening stands out as a negative symptom.