What is apathy?
“Apathy” is a term healthcare professionals use to describe a lack of goal-directed activity and motivation compared to previous behavior. It can also look like a lack of spontaneity, interest or emotional expression. Apathy is a symptom and/or complication of several neurological conditions. Some experts consider it to be a syndrome (a collection of symptoms that often happen together, but aren’t necessarily a specific condition).
In everyday life, people often consider apathy to be the opposite of empathy (the ability to understand and share the feelings of others). However, in a medical context, apathy isn’t just a lack of feeling or concern toward other people and their situations. It’s a lack of motivation and interest in general. In addition, apathy in the medical sense is something you have no control over — it’s not laziness or a choice of personal indifference.
Psychological or situational apathy
In the fields of psychiatry and psychology, apathy has a slightly different meaning. It usually describes emotional detachment and a reduced ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia). It typically doesn’t include a lack of motivation to do activities or daily tasks, as the neurological definition of apathy does.
People may experience episodes of apathy with certain psychological conditions, such as major depression and schizophrenia.
In addition, people who experience traumatic events may develop apathy syndrome (indifference and emotional detachment) as a way to protect themselves mentally and prevent further distress. This is common in survivors of catastrophes or prisoners of war. And it can be part of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What are the signs of apathy?
Signs of apathy include:
- Disengaging or withdrawing from work, hobbies or spending time with loved ones. However, people with apathy appear to enjoy spending time with loved ones if they’re pushed or persuaded to do so.
- A lack of concern that they’ve disengaged from activities they used to enjoy. Family members and loved ones are more likely to notice the change in their behavior and be concerned about it.
- Relying on others to help them fulfill daily activities. This isn’t because they’re mentally or physically unable to do the tasks (like brushing their teeth or paying bills, for example) but because they lack the self-directed motivation to do them.
- A decrease in or lack of expression of both positive and negative emotions (emotional blunting).They may not feel strong emotions or emotionally react to situations as expected.
Is apathy a form of depression?
Apathy can resemble depression, but they’re distinct conditions. People with apathy don’t have the feelings of low mood or sadness that people with depression do. But a person can have both depression and apathy.
FAQs
Low or no reaction to emotions, like not feeling or expressing emotions, either positive or negative, or feeling indifferent to situations others you would normally have a reaction to.
Why does apathy feel so good? ›
Apathy is protective
A masking state helps you cover up your inner truths with a protective attitude that can distance you from uncomfortable situations. It can give you a necessary break from the situation, and its “I don't care; I can't be bothered; none of this matters” attitude can give you a sense of control.
What does apathy tell you? ›
What Is Apathy? Apathy is when you lack motivation to do things or just don't care much about what's going on around you. Apathy can be a symptom of mental health problems, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease. It often lasts a long time.
Is apathy a good coping mechanism? ›
Although it can be a protective coping mechanism, staying in a state of apathy for too long can negatively affect your life and the world around you. By understanding your root causes for apathy and utilizing our tips for overcoming it, you can learn to feel safe engaging in emotions and connection again.
Is apathy worse than hate? ›
Hate aims to hold wrongdoers accountable. That said, both can be problematic if they become chronic. Apathy can not only deter one from acting, but also cause one to withdraw and become alienated from their community and even themselves.
What is the root cause of apathy? ›
People may experience episodes of apathy with certain psychological conditions, such as major depression and schizophrenia. In addition, people who experience traumatic events may develop apathy syndrome (indifference and emotional detachment) as a way to protect themselves mentally and prevent further distress.
Is apathy a toxic trait? ›
While it can be harmless and normal to experience, it can also be harmful. The indifference, unresponsiveness, detachment, and passivity that are characteristic of apathy can leave apathetic individuals feeling exhausted and also lead to their making bad decisions — because, well, they just don't care.
What does God say about apathy? ›
In the New Testament, James hints at the problem of spiritual apathy when he says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). Notice the problem is not ignorance, since he knows what to do, but apathy—he just doesn't care.
Why is apathy unacceptable? ›
Apathy can cause you to feel unmotivated, disinterested, or emotionally detached from the world around you. Living with apathy can make it difficult to set goals, take part in activities you used to enjoy, and maintain relationships. Sometimes, apathy is brought on by certain mental or physical health conditions.
Is apathy a red flag? ›
Others may not have the information necessary to notice the red flags that can often be early signs of abuse in the future. This article explores potential warning signs and red flags that could snowball over time and damage a relationship, such as apathy, untruthfulness, narcissism, and low self-esteem.
It was developed using factor analysis, quantifying Executive apathy (lack of motivation for planning, organising and attention), Emotional apathy (emotional indifference, neutrality, flatness or blunting) and Initiation apathy (lack of motivation for self-generation of thought/action).
How bad can apathy get? ›
Most people experience apathetic feelings from time to time, especially during times of stress. But persistent apathy can affect your relationships, everyday life, and overall well-being. It might also happen as a symptom of a number of medical and mental health conditions, which could get worse without treatment.
What fixes apathy? ›
If the feelings of apathy you experience are caused by something clearly identifiable, like a repetitive routine or burnout, it can be helpful to change up your routine. Try new things that challenge or fulfill you in different ways, such as a new hobby, a new exercise routine, or making new friends.
What controls apathy? ›
Broadly, apathy is associated with disruption of medial frontal cortex – in particular the ACC and OFC – and subcortical structures including the VS, medial thalamus and VTA, or connections between these regions.
What is better empathy or apathy? ›
Empathy is best because it identifies with a person's pain and seeks to understand, identify with that person, and help alleviate that person's pain.
What is an apathetic action? ›
: affected by, characterized by, or displaying apathy : having or showing little or no interest, concern, or emotion. apathetic voters. apathetic indifference. an apathetic attitude/response. It's really easy to feel apathetic about politics and forget how much they affect our daily lives.
How do you know if you're apathetic? ›
Individuals experiencing apathy often exhibit a disinterest in activities or pursuits they once found engaging. This emotional disconnect can extend to personal relationships, work obligations, and hobbies, resulting in a general sense of indifference toward life.
How do you describe an apathetic person? ›
Apathetic means uncaring. It's an adjective form of apathy—the state of not caring. It can also mean the absence or suppression of emotion or passion. Apathetic is especially used to describe people with a lack of interest or concern about things, especially those that others find important or exciting.
What is the act of being apathetic? ›
Apathy describes an absence of feeling or emotion. This indifference can affect your motivation and leave you feeling detached from the world. You might: stop caring about everyday tasks, hobbies, or personal interests. struggle to show interest and enthusiasm in your personal relationships.
