Blunted affect

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Blunted Affect

Blunted affect (/ˈblʌntɪd əˈfɛkt/), also known as emotional blunting, is a clinical term used to describe a reduction in the intensity of an individual's emotional response.

Etymology

The term "blunted affect" is derived from the English words "blunt" meaning "dull or unsharpened" and "affect" which in this context refers to the observable expression of emotion.

Definition

Blunted affect is characterized by a significant reduction in the range and intensity of emotional expression. Individuals with blunted affect may appear indifferent or unresponsive to events that would typically elicit an emotional response. This condition is commonly associated with schizophrenia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and certain personality disorders.

Symptoms

Symptoms of blunted affect include a lack of facial expressions, monotone speech, and a diminished emotional response to positive or negative events. These symptoms can be observed by others and are often reported by the individual experiencing them.

Related Terms

  • Flat affect: This is a more severe form of blunted affect where there is almost no sign of emotional expression.
  • Anhedonia: This is a condition where the individual finds it hard to experience pleasure.
  • Alexithymia: This is a personality construct characterized by the subclinical inability to identify and describe emotions in the self.

See Also

External links

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