Rosh Psychiatry Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a negative symptom associated with schizophrenia?

1. Decreased reactivity to the environment

2. Diminished speech output

3. Displaying childlike silliness

4. Loosening of associations

The correct answer is: Diminished speech output

Diminished speech output is recognized as a negative symptom associated with schizophrenia. Negative symptoms refer to a decrease or absence of normal functions or behaviors, impacting one's ability to communicate, engage, or express emotions. When individuals experience diminished speech output, also known as alogia, it reflects a reduction in spontaneous conversation and is characterized by shortened responses or less verbal communication overall. In contrast, decreased reactivity to the environment may reflect a blunted affect but isn't exclusively categorized as a negative symptom in the same explicit way as diminished speech output. Displaying childlike silliness can be seen as an inappropriate emotional response, which aligns with a disorganized symptom rather than a negative one. Loosening of associations indicates a thought disorder, which is typically categorized as a positive symptom, as it represents the presence of disorganized thinking rather than an absence of function. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing and identifying the various symptomatologies present in schizophrenia.