The structural stability of negative symptoms over time

Negative symptoms remain poorly understood and treated despite their huge impact on patients' lives and clinical outcomes. This is partly because of ongoing debates about the clinical constructs underlying negative symptoms. A longitudinal analysis of the structure of negative symptoms presented in BJPsych Open reports striking temporal stability of symptom structure, which behaves as a few independent domains. This further underscores the need to address specific symptom domains when considering interventions or pathophysiology studies.

Automated summary

Despite their significant impact on patients' lives and clinical outcomes, negative symptoms remain poorly understood and treated. A longitudinal analysis of the structure of negative symptoms shows striking temporal stability and suggests the existence of several independent domains. This highlights the importance of addressing specific symptom domains in interventions and pathophysiology studies.