What psychological term describes a state in which a person feels little to no emotional response?

The term that accurately describes a state in which a person exhibits little to no emotional response is known as flat affect. This term is often used in the context of psychological conditions, particularly schizophrenia and other mood disorders, where individuals may present as emotionally unresponsive or lack the expressions typically associated with emotional states, such as joy, sadness, or anger.

This condition is characterized by a diminished emotional range; for example, a person may have a monotone voice, little facial expression, and limited gestures when discussing various topics, which can create the impression of emotional detachment or indifference. Understanding flat affect is crucial in clinical settings, as it can significantly impact how individuals interact with others and how their mental health is assessed and treated.

In contrast, while anhedonia refers specifically to the inability to feel pleasure or enjoyment, and disinterest encompasses a lack of investment in activities or topics, flat affect specifically describes the emotional expression itself. Mood disorder is a broader category that includes various conditions that affect mood, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and others, but it does not specifically pinpoint the lack of emotional response shown by flat affect.