The short answer. . .the management of negative symptoms still remains a substantial challenge. Here, Dr. Peter Buckley explains why these disabling manifestations that overlap with cognitive functioning are a "tough nut to crack." Psychological and medication treatments can help address secondary negative symptoms, such as hyper-religosity, However, in this population, newer drugs, such as clozapine, haven't effected significant change.

Dr Buckley, a noted schizophrenia expert, is Dean of the Medical College of Georgia.