Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia - an Overview Abstract. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia comprise the symptom-dimensions of apathy (avolition, anhedonia and social withdrawal) and reduced expression (alogia and blunted affect). Negative symptoms are of a high relevance for the illness course, since they strongly affect functional outcome and quality of life. A diagnostic differentiation is recommended in primary negative symptoms (regarded as an integral part of schizophrenia) and secondary negative symptoms (regarded as a result of positive symptoms, comorbid depression, effects of antipsychotic medication, substance abuse or social deprivation). The following overview will present the various aspects of negative symptoms, the underlying pathophysiology and describe current diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations based on the concept of primary and secondary negative symptoms.
