A lack of interest in normal activities is referred to as what symptom in schizophrenia?

Anhedonia is the term that describes a lack of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities, which is a notable symptom that may be present in schizophrenia. This phenomenon can manifest as a diminished ability to experience feelings of pleasure in everyday experiences, which is often a hallmark of developmental disorders and major depressive episodes as well. In the context of schizophrenia, experiencing anhedonia can contribute significantly to the overall reduction in functioning and quality of life for individuals afflicted with the disorder.

While apathy and flat affect may seem closely related, they represent nuanced different concepts. Apathy refers to a general lack of motivation or drive toward any activities, not just those that are normally pleasurable. Flat affect describes a reduction in emotional expressiveness, where a person may not show their emotions outwardly, but this does not necessarily equate to a lack of interest in activities itself. Anxiety, on the other hand, pertains to feelings of unease or worry, which does not specifically address the lack of interest in engaging with pleasurable activities. Therefore, anhedonia specifically captures the essence of the described symptom in relation to schizophrenia.