Which statement about negative symptoms is most consistent with the material?

Which statement about negative symptoms is most consistent with the material?

• A. They are highly variable and fluctuate widely
• B. They are the primary determinant of immediate recovery
• C. They respond rapidly to all antipsychotics
• D. They tend to be stable over time

Answer: (D)

Negative symptoms reflect enduring changes such as diminished motivation, flat affect, alogia, anhedonia, and social withdrawal. These features tend to be persistent and relatively stable over time, remaining present across episodes rather than coming and going with acute phases. They’re also less responsive to antipsychotic treatment in the short term, so they don’t drive rapid recovery after an acute psychotic event. In contrast, positive symptoms (like hallucinations and delusions) are more likely to fluctuate and respond more quickly to treatment. Because negative symptoms are chronic and changes unfold slowly, the statement that they tend to be stable over time best fits the material.

Negative symptoms reflect enduring changes such as diminished motivation, flat affect, alogia, anhedonia, and social withdrawal. These features tend to be persistent and relatively stable over time, remaining present across episodes rather than coming and going with acute phases. They’re also less responsive to antipsychotic treatment in the short term, so they don’t drive rapid recovery after an acute psychotic event. In contrast, positive symptoms (like hallucinations and delusions) are more likely to fluctuate and respond more quickly to treatment. Because negative symptoms are chronic and changes unfold slowly, the statement that they tend to be stable over time best fits the material.