Schizophrenia negative syndrome

Avolition, blunted affect, poverty of speech, reduced drive, social withdrawal, chronic collapse

EmergentReview due

Compare (8)

At a glance

High-risk causes: 7
Immediate actions: 2
Related differentials: 8

Safety snapshot

Watch forHidden depressionuntreated psychosissevere self-neglectmedication over-sedation Catatoniavulnerability

Presentation hinge

Motor syndrome with characteristic catatonic signs. Not simply very depressed or non-engaging.

Separates the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group. It is not specific to Schizophrenia negative syndrome.

Points for this presentation

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group — not specific to Schizophrenia negative syndrome

The medication chart is often the shortest route to the diagnosis
Quiet delirium is commonly missed and often medically dangerous

Clinical review

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group — not specific to Schizophrenia negative syndrome

Why it fits

Avolition, blunted affect, poverty of speech, reduced drive, social withdrawal, chronic collapse

Key features2 features

Avolition, alogia, flattened affect, social withdrawal, poor self-care
Chronicity and psychosis history support primary negative symptoms.

Must-not-miss

Hidden depression, untreated psychosis, severe self-neglect, medication over-sedation.

High-risk causes7 causes

Hidden depression
untreated psychosis
severe self-neglect
medication over-sedation
Catatonia
vulnerability
untreated medical illness

Bedside question

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group.

Motor syndrome with characteristic catatonic signs. Not simply very depressed or non-engaging.

Helpful clues1 clue

Chronicity and psychosis history support primary negative symptoms.

Immediate action

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group.

The medication chart is often the shortest route to the diagnosis Quiet delirium is commonly missed and often medically dangerous

Priority steps2 steps

1The medication chart is often the shortest route to the diagnosis
2Quiet delirium is commonly missed and often medically dangerous

Investigations

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group.

None listed

Core tests

Mimics / overlap

Applies to the Psychomotor Retardation / Mutism / Severe Withdrawal group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.