apathy

Apathy is a state characterized by diminished motivation, interest, or emotional responsiveness. The term comes from the Greek apathía, meaning “without feeling.” In everyday use, apathy can describe a transient lack of interest in activities, but in clinical and research contexts it refers to a more persistent reduction in goal-directed behavior and affect.

Apathy occurs across clinical and nonclinical settings. It can be a normal, temporary response to stress or loss, but it can also be a symptom or feature of various conditions. Clinically, apathy is commonly described in neurological disorders such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease, as well as in psychiatric disorders including major depression and schizophrenia. It can also follow brain injury, stroke, or prolonged medical illness, and may be influenced by aging, medications, or burnout.

There are different ways apathy manifests. Some describe emotional apathy, a reduced experience or expression of emotions; others describe behavioral or cognitive apathy, a lack of motivation to initiate or sustain activities, even when the person recognizes their importance. In some cases, apathy coexists with apathy-like features such as indifference or social withdrawal, but it is conceptually distinct from related states.

Apathy is typically assessed with clinical scales and caregiver or self-reports. It is distinguished from depression, where low mood is central, and from anhedonia, the diminished ability to experience pleasure. Management focuses on treating underlying causes, psychological and behavioral interventions, social engagement strategies, and, in certain medical contexts, pharmacological approaches.

Overall, apathy represents a complex reduction in motivation and affect that can influence daily functioning and quality of life, with implications for treatment and care across multiple conditions.