Blunted affect refers to which of the following?

Blunted affect refers to which of the following?

• A. Blunted Affect
• B. Flat Affect
• C. Euphoric Mood
• D. Expansive Mood

Answer: (A)

The display of emotion, or affect, as observed externally is being tested. Blunted affect describes a markedly reduced outward expression of emotion. A person may speak in a monotone, show minimal facial movements, and use limited gestures even in situations that would typically evoke a stronger emotional response. It sits between normal affect and flat affect in severity—the latter being almost no outward emotion at all. In contrast, flat affect means virtually no emotional expression at all, which is more extreme. Euphoric mood refers to an abnormally elevated mood and heightened sense of happiness, not the level of outward emotional display. Expansive mood involves overly broad, unrestrained sociability and expressive behavior, which is the opposite of blunted affect.

The display of emotion, or affect, as observed externally is being tested. Blunted affect describes a markedly reduced outward expression of emotion. A person may speak in a monotone, show minimal facial movements, and use limited gestures even in situations that would typically evoke a stronger emotional response. It sits between normal affect and flat affect in severity—the latter being almost no outward emotion at all.

In contrast, flat affect means virtually no emotional expression at all, which is more extreme. Euphoric mood refers to an abnormally elevated mood and heightened sense of happiness, not the level of outward emotional display. Expansive mood involves overly broad, unrestrained sociability and expressive behavior, which is the opposite of blunted affect.