What do negative symptoms of psychosis generally involve?

Negative symptoms of psychosis are characterized by the absence or reduction of normal emotional responses or behaviors. This includes affective flattening, which refers to a diminished emotional expression in facial expressions, voice tone, and gestures. Additionally, a lack of initiative or motivation to engage in activities that one used to find enjoyable or necessary is a hallmark of negative symptoms. These symptoms signify a decrease in the individual's ability to experience pleasure, connect with others emotionally, or participate in social interactions, making it a crucial aspect in the diagnosis of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.

In contrast, options that describe intense hallucinations and delusions represent positive symptoms of psychosis, reflecting an excess of certain functions. Increased social interactions and communication, as well as cognitive enhancement and productivity, would also be indicative of positive attributes or improvements in functioning rather than the deficits observed in negative symptoms. Therefore, the correct choice accurately portrays the essence of negative symptoms in psychotic conditions.