Lack of verbal responses is best described by which term?

Lack of verbal responses is best described by which term?

• A. Mutism
• B. Stupor
• C. Catatonic excitement
• D. Negative Symptoms

Answer: (A)

Mutism is the term for a complete or near-complete lack of verbal response. It means the person can speak but does not, even when prompted, which fits “lack of verbal responses” most precisely. This distinguishes it from stupor, where the silence comes with a broader state of unresponsiveness due to decreased consciousness or motor activity. Catatonic excitement involves intense motor activity and agitation rather than a speech absence. Negative symptoms describe reduced speech among other features (like diminished motivation or affect), but they imply less speech rather than a total absence. So the best term for lack of verbal responses is mutism.

Mutism is the term for a complete or near-complete lack of verbal response. It means the person can speak but does not, even when prompted, which fits “lack of verbal responses” most precisely. This distinguishes it from stupor, where the silence comes with a broader state of unresponsiveness due to decreased consciousness or motor activity. Catatonic excitement involves intense motor activity and agitation rather than a speech absence. Negative symptoms describe reduced speech among other features (like diminished motivation or affect), but they imply less speech rather than a total absence. So the best term for lack of verbal responses is mutism.