Which is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Flat affect
• B. Lack of volition
• C. Social withdrawal
• D. Avolition

Answer: (D)

Negative symptoms are about reductions in normal functions, especially motivation, emotional expression, and social engagement. The specific deficit described here is a diminished drive to initiate and sustain goal-directed activities, which is called avolition. That precise term captures the core motivational impairment seen in schizophrenia, making it the best fit as a negative symptom. Other options describe related manifestations—flat affect is reduced emotional expression, and social withdrawal is decreased social engagement—but they don’t pinpoint the motivational deficit as clearly as avolition. Lacking volition essentially describes the same idea, but avolition is the standard psychiatric term used for this symptom.