Final answer:
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia in a patient like Sam involve a flattened emotional state and loss of pleasure, which are treated with antipsychotic medications that modulate dopamine neurotransmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sam displays negative symptoms of schizophrenia when he experiences a flattened emotional state, loss of pleasure, and a lack of basic drives. These symptoms are a part of the complex constellation of schizophrenia manifestations, which also include positive symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. While the exact mechanisms underlying schizophrenia are not fully understood, it is thought to involve the malfunction of dopaminergic neurons and issues with glutamate signaling. Treatment often involves antipsychotic medications that work by blocking dopamine receptors and essentially decreasing dopamine neurotransmission. This approach aims to alleviate both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, but it is not a cure, and many patients remain medicated for life.