Overview

• Affect is the immediate expression of emotion, and can be used to objectively assess a patient's mood. 
• Affect can be assessed by covering a wide range of topics through the course of the conversation. Enquire about personal losses as well as loved ones and achievements.
• Flattened affect: limited range of emotion, but not to the point of apathy.Mild to moderate depression
• Blunted affect: apathy, decreased intensity and small-ranged affect. The patient does not express happiness or sadness and has no depth of conviction.Chronic schizophrenia, severe depression
• Blunted and flattened affect are often used interchangeably.