Avolition

Avolition is a psychological state characterized by general lack of desire, drive, or motivation to pursue meaningful goals. It is commonly seen in patients with schizophrenia, and is one of the four main "negative" symptoms of that disorder (the others being flat affect, alogia, and anhedonia). [Meadows G., Singh, B., & Griggs, M. (2007). "Mental Health in Australia, Collaborative Community Practice" 2^nd Ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Chapter 25, p539.] It is sometimes mistaken for simple disinterest or anhedonia but is distinct.

Literally, poverty of movement, it is a restriction in initiation and production of goal directed behavior. Abulia (poverty of motivation) - is a restriction in will or motivation, often characterized by an inability to set goals or make decisions.

The DSM IV says of schizophrenia that "characteristic symptoms are two (or more) of the following, each present for a significant portion of time during a 1-month period: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech (e.g., frequent derailment or incoherence), grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms, i.e., affective flattening, alogia, or avolition".

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