Which of the following symptoms may indicate a decline in goal-directed activities in schizophrenia?

The symptom that indicates a decline in goal-directed activities in schizophrenia is the inability to initiate and persist in activities. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience symptoms that can significantly affect their motivation and ability to engage in everyday tasks. This can manifest as a lack of initiative to start tasks or difficulty maintaining focus on activities once they have begun, leading to an overall decline in accomplishing goals. This impairment is a recognized aspect of the disorder, impacting various areas of function, including work, social interactions, and personal care.

In contrast, increased motivation, enhanced social capabilities, and clear thought processes would suggest the opposite scenario, where an individual is functioning well and able to engage actively with their environment. Therefore, the presence of an inability to initiate and persist in activities succinctly captures a critical aspect of the challenges faced by individuals with schizophrenia, highlighting the need for appropriate support and intervention in case management.