Which of the following best describes avolition?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Lack of motivation. Avolition is a negative symptom of schizophrenia characterized by a severe lack of motivation to initiate and sustain goal-directed activities. Individuals with avolition struggle with completing daily tasks, such as hygiene, work, or social interactions, which significantly impairs their functioning. B. No emotion. This describes flat affect, where individuals show reduced emotional expression in facial expressions, voice tone, and body language. Flat affect is a separate negative symptom of schizophrenia, distinct from avolition. C. Inability to experience pleasure. This describes anhedonia, which refers to the inability to feel pleasure from previously enjoyable activities. Anhedonia is commonly seen in schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and substance use disorders. D. No empathy. Lack of empathy is more characteristic of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). While individuals with schizophrenia may struggle with social interactions, this is due to cognitive deficits rather than an absence of empathy.