Final answer:
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are suggested by emotionlessness and immobility, necessitating antipsychotic treatment that blocks dopamine receptors. So the correct answer is option (A).
Step-by-step explanation:
The clinician's observation that a patient seems emotionless and remains immobile for long periods suggests the patient is exhibiting negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Negative symptoms include a flattened emotional state, a loss of pleasure in everyday life, and a loss of basic drives such as motivation and socializing.
Unlike positive symptoms, which include hallucinations and delusions, negative symptoms often affect a patient's ability to function and respond to the environment. Treatment for schizophrenia typically involves antipsychotic medications that work by blocking dopamine receptors.
These medications can lead to a reduction in symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions while also potentially causing side effects similar to Parkinson's disease symptoms due to decreased dopamine neurotransmission. Understanding and treating the symptoms of schizophrenia involves a nuanced approach that takes into account the complex nature of the illness, which affects both an individual's thoughts and behaviors.