Abstract:
Schizophrenia is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with severe functional impact. Deficit symptoms, such as
affective flattening, anhedonia, and avolition, profoundly affect patients' quality of life and respond poorly to
standard treatments, requiring increased attention in clinical management. The study examines negative
symptoms in schizophrenia: neurobiological mechanisms, assessment, and treatment options, highlighting their
impact on patients' functioning and prognosis. The study examines assessment tools for negative symptoms
(PANSS, SANS, NSA-16, BNSS, CAINS), the efficacy of atypical antipsychotics, adjuvant treatments
(antidepressants, modafinil), and psychosocial interventions (cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive
remediation), based on clinical guidelines and recent studies. Negative symptoms have a complex
neurobiological basis, involving fronto-striatal dysfunction and structural abnormalities in frontal and
temporal regions. Conventional antipsychotics show limited efficacy, but cariprazine has proven superior to
risperidone in alleviating persistent negative symptoms. Adjuvant treatments (antidepressants, glutamatergic
agonists) may provide moderate but inconsistent benefits. Psychosocial interventions (cognitive-behavioral
therapy, social skills training), combined with pharmacotherapy, improve social functioning, motivation, and
quality of life, reducing the overall disease burden. Negative symptoms - a major therapeutic challenge in
schizophrenia. An integrated approach combining pharmacotherapy with personalized psychosocial
interventions can improve functioning and quality of life. Family involvement and continuous monitoring are
essential. Better therapies are needed.
