negative symptoms

Negative symptoms are features of certain mental health conditions, like schizophrenia, that involve a reduction or loss of normal behaviors and feelings. They include things like diminished emotional expression, decreased motivation, social withdrawal, difficulty experiencing pleasure, and a lack of speech. These symptoms can make it hard for individuals to engage in daily activities or connect with others, often leading to social isolation and decreased quality of life. Unlike positive symptoms (such as hallucinations), negative symptoms reflect a decrease in usual functioning and are often more challenging to treat.