Which term describes reduced speech output as a negative symptom?

• A. Reduced speech output.
• B. A heightened sociability.
• C. Delusions.
• D. Loss of memory.

Answer: (A)

Negative symptoms reflect reductions in normal functions, such as speech, motivation, and affect. Reduced speech output is a classic example and is clinically labeled alogia. In exam terms, the option that directly names the symptom—reduced speech output—best matches the concept being tested, since it describes the observable deficit rather than a belief or behavior unrelated to speech. Delusions are false beliefs (positive symptom), a heightened sociability is increased social behavior (not a negative symptom), and loss of memory points to cognitive impairment. Recognizing alogia helps you identify how a patient may speak with very brief or sparse replies despite being cognitively engaged.