Evolution of the schizophrenic deficit concept

Abstract

The relevance of this study is the high prevalence and clinical heterogeneity of deficit states in chronic schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The study aimed at analyzing negative symptoms in schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders from historical and modern perspectives. An analysis of available literature, along with own observations, has been performed. It was found that negative symptoms comprise 3 clinical types: 1) «pseudopsychopathic» type (overlapping personality dimensions and premorbid/initial negative symptoms), 2) pseudoorganic/asthenic/pseudobradiphrenic type (pseudoorganic states), developing at different stages of schizophrenia), 3) «new»-life pseudopsychopathic type (not associated with premorbid personality traits), developing at late stages in schizophrenia. The trajectory heterogeneity of negative symptoms in their relation to positive symptoms has been defined: simultaneous-continuous course (synchronous course of positive and negative symptoms), polar course (alternative development of predominantly positive or negative symptoms), simultaneous-phasic course (pseudopsychopathic negative symptoms, attracting depressive symptoms, or depression that exacerbates latent deficit). The authors discuss some aspects of psychopharmacological treatment of negative symptoms. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders differ clinically, have heterogeneous trajectory course, and require differentiated approach with regard to psychopathological qualification, prognosis and treatment.