Speaking in a monotone voice or exhibiting a lack of speech is classified as what type of symptom of schizophrenia?

The classification of speaking in a monotone voice or exhibiting a lack of speech as a negative symptom of schizophrenia is rooted in the nature of negative symptoms themselves. Negative symptoms refer to the absence or reduction of normal emotional responses or behaviors. In the context of schizophrenia, this can manifest as reduced verbal communication, lack of emotional expression, or diminished ability to engage in social interactions.

When someone exhibits a monotone voice or simply does not speak much, it indicates a lack of emotion or initiative, which aligns with the characteristics of negative symptoms. These symptoms can significantly affect a person's ability to connect with others and participate in daily life, highlighting the impairment in their overall functioning.

Positive symptoms, in contrast, refer to the presence of atypical behaviors or experiences, such as hallucinations or delusions, which are not reflected in the described behaviors of monotone speech or lack of verbal communication. Cognitive symptoms involve issues with thinking processes, which do not pertain to the expressive behaviors noted in the question. Thus, the classification of the symptoms related to tone of voice or lack of speech is appropriately identified as a negative symptom within the framework of schizophrenia.