Seven Categories of Negative Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia

1. Difficulty with abstract or logical thinking: Difficulty in classification, generalization, conceptualization beyond concrete thinking.
2. Lack of spontaneity and flow of conversation: Diminished flow of productivity in verbal interaction with others.
3. Blunted affect: A reduction in nonverbal communicative cues or facial expressions.
4. Social withdrawal: Reduced activities of daily living or neglected interpersonal involvement.
5. Poor rapport: Inability to show interpersonal empathy, interest, sense of closeness or openness during conversation.
6. Emotional withdrawal with difficulty identifying own feelings: Lack of interest or involvement in life.
7. Stereotyped thinking: Rigid repetitious thought content.