Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Flat affect refers to a lack of emotional reactivity on the part of an individual. It's characterized by a person's face appearing expressionless or their voice lacking inflection and variability.
Related terms
Blunted affect: This is when emotional expression is significantly reduced but not completely absent like in flat affect.
Anhedonia: The inability to feel pleasure. It's one of the main symptoms of major depressive disorder.
Schizoid personality disorder: A condition characterized by consistent avoidance of social relationships and little expression of emotion.