Psychotic disorders mnemonic

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

The mnemonic

Five A's

What each word stands for

  • AAlogia (poverty of speech)
  • AAffective flattening
  • AAvolition
  • AAnhedonia
  • AAsociality

Why it matters clinically

Negative symptoms respond poorly to typical antipsychotics and drive long-term disability.

Where it stops being reliable

Does not cover positive or cognitive symptoms.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Psychotic disorders mnemonic?

Five A's. It helps you recall: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

What does "A" stand for?

Asociality

What are all the parts of the Five A's mnemonic?

A: Alogia (poverty of speech); A: Affective flattening; A: Avolition; A: Anhedonia; A: Asociality.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Psychotic disorders in Psychiatry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Does not cover positive or cognitive symptoms.

How is this useful clinically?

Negative symptoms respond poorly to typical antipsychotics and drive long-term disability.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Psychiatry question about Psychotic disorders.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.