Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder marked by positive symptoms (eg, delusions, hallucinations) and negative symptoms (eg, avolition, anhedonia). While antipsychotics manage positive symptoms well, treatment for negative symptoms—such as reduced motivation and social withdrawal—remains limited. These negative symptoms are a key component of schizophrenia, leading to long-term disability and poor outcomes. Differentiating between primary negative symptoms, inherent to the disorder, and secondary symptoms caused by external factors is essential for effective treatment.

Despite research advancements, negative symptoms remain a significant unmet medical need, complicating patient care. They often appear early and persist throughout the illness. While some antipsychotics show potential, most treatments fail to specifically target negative symptoms. Psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, offer moderate help, but more effective approaches are needed to improve quality of life and functional outcomes for patients.

Reference: Correll CU, Schooler NR. Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Review and Clinical Guide for Recognition, Assessment, and Treatment. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:519-534. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S225643.