Avolition

Definition

Avolition is the decrease in the motivation to initiate and perform self-directed purposeful activities. It is commonly seen in individuals with schizophrenia and other mental health disorders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Avolition is a negative symptom of schizophrenia, which means it involves a deficit or decrease in normal function.
2. It significantly impacts daily functioning, making simple tasks like grooming or socializing difficult for affected individuals.
3. Pharmacologic treatment often includes antipsychotics, which may help alleviate some symptoms of avolition.
4. Avolition can be mistaken for laziness or lack of interest, but it is an inherent part of certain psychiatric conditions.
5. Assessment tools like the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) are used to evaluate avolition.

Review Questions

• What type of symptom is avolition classified as in schizophrenia?
• How does avolition affect an individual's daily life?
• Which class of drugs is typically used to treat symptoms associated with avolition?

Related terms

Anhedonia: The inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities.

Alogia: Poverty of speech, often seen as a negative symptom in schizophrenia.

Antipsychotic Medications: Drugs used to manage psychosis, including symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.