NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS

Studies confirm the negative syndrome in schizophrenia as a distinct d imension of psychopathology on both empirical and theoretical grounds. Current interest in negative symptoms centres on their possible progn ostic significance; claims are made for a modest but direct effect on persistent negative symptoms with the newer antipsychotic drugs. Studi es exploring the cognitive abnormalities underlying particular negativ e symptoms continue to implicate dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex and its subcortical connections.