Constricted affect is defined as which of the following?

Constricted affect is defined as which of the following?

• A. Normal amplitude but restricted range
• B. Emotions expressed are not congruent with content of the patient's thoughts
• C. Unpredictable shifts in emotional state
• D. Flat affect with no emotional expression

Answer: (A)

Constricted affect means the person’s outward expression of emotion is narrower than normal, with emotional intensity that can still be within typical limits but a limited range of emotions shown. This is best described as normal amplitude (not overly flat or blunted) paired with a restricted range of affective expression. It’s not about emotion contradicting what’s being said (that would be affect incongruence), not about rapid, unpredictable mood changes (that would be labile affect), and not about a complete lack of emotional expression (that would be flat or blunted affect). In practice, you might see someone who talks about feeling sad or anxious, but their facial expressions and gestures don’t vary much beyond a small, limited display.

Constricted affect means the person’s outward expression of emotion is narrower than normal, with emotional intensity that can still be within typical limits but a limited range of emotions shown. This is best described as normal amplitude (not overly flat or blunted) paired with a restricted range of affective expression. It’s not about emotion contradicting what’s being said (that would be affect incongruence), not about rapid, unpredictable mood changes (that would be labile affect), and not about a complete lack of emotional expression (that would be flat or blunted affect). In practice, you might see someone who talks about feeling sad or anxious, but their facial expressions and gestures don’t vary much beyond a small, limited display.