In assessing affect, which term means no expression?

• A. Flat
• B. Blunted
• C. Broad
• D. Inappropriate

Answer: (A)

Affect refers to the outward display of emotion, including facial expression, voice, and gestures. When there is no expression at all, the term used is flat affect. This means the person’s face may be expressionless, their voice monotone, and there is minimal to no visible emotional response, regardless of what they’re discussing. It’s distinct from blunted affect, which is a noticeable reduction in emotional expression but not a complete absence. Broad affect indicates a full, appropriate range of emotion, and inappropriate affect means the emotional expression doesn’t match the content or situation. Flat affect is often discussed in relation to conditions like schizophrenia or severe mood disorders, where outward emotional expression is markedly diminished.