Published online Dec 22, 2015. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v5.i4.352
Peer-review started: May 28, 2015
First decision: June 18, 2015
Revised: July 7, 2015
Accepted: October 12, 2015
Article in press: October 13, 2015
Published online: December 22, 2015
Core tip: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia including social withdrawal, diminished affective response, lack of interest, poor social drive, and decreased sense of purpose or goal directed activity predict poor functional outcomes for patients with schizophrenia. Negative symptoms and the resulting loss in productivity are responsible for much of the world-wide personal and economic burden of schizophrenia. We describe current theories of negative symptom development and maintenance and address the data regarding current and emerging treatments. Negative symptoms represent an unmet therapeutic need for large numbers of patients. Academia, clinicians, the pharmaceutical industry, research funders, payers and regulators will need to work together to pursue novel treatments to address this public health issue.