Which finding is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Difficulty sitting still.
• B. Rapid and disorganized speech.
• C. Flat affect and social inattentiveness.
• D. Delusional statements.

Answer: (C)

Negative symptoms are reductions in normal functioning, such as diminished emotional expression and decreased social engagement. Flat affect and social inattentiveness directly reflect this deficit in emotional expression and social interaction, making them classic negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The other findings point to different features: difficulty sitting still is a motor restlessness that can arise from agitation or medication effects, not a withdrawal or blunted affect; rapid and disorganized speech signals disorganized thinking, a positive symptom; and delusional statements are clearly positive symptoms involving fixed false beliefs. Negative symptoms often contribute to significant functional impairment and can be harder to treat, underscoring why this option best fits the concept.