Aaron has suffered from schizophrenia for many years and now resides in a group treatment facility. One day a nurse approaches him and quietly tells him that his sister, who has been fighting cancer for many months, died that morning. Aaron has no appreciable facial reaction, and in a very monotone voice says, "Okay." The nurse is not surprised by Aaron's lack of response to the awful news, because she knows that __________ is one symptom often seen in those suffering from schizophrenia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Flat affect, or a lack of emotional response, is a common symptom of schizophrenia. This often includes a lack of outward expressions of emotion, such as facial expressions or changes in tone of voice. Therefore, Aaron's lack of reaction to the news of his sister's death is not unexpected given his diagnosis.

Aaron Has Suffered from Schizophrenia for Many Years and Now