Is the outside unaligned with what you feel inside?
We may feel devastated and even cry at the news.
This is known as inappropriate affect and can have a variety of causes.
Getty / Klaus Vedfelt
Let’s dig into how and why this happens.
Instead, they may have strange reactions that don’t seem to make sense to the outside observer.
However, they are, in fact, consistent with their internal experience of the situation.
Your doctor can refer you to the necessary professionals, such as a neurologist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
The first step would generally be to rule out any physical or neurological condition causing the inappropriate affect.
Doctors will also assess the severity of the symptoms.
A person with blunted affect will show little feeling even in emotional situations.
Restricted Affect
Restricted affect is a reduction in one’s expressive range.
Flat Affect
Flat affect refers to displaying absolutely no feeling or emotion regardless of the circumstances.
This is a step below blunted affect in that it is completely devoid of emotional expression.
A person with labile affect appears as though they do not control their emotions.
Labile affect can also result from fatigue, stress/anxiety, and overstimulation.
A person with shallow affect will feel little emotion about situations that would expect to elicit specific feelings.
Death always went with the territory.
See you in Disneyland."
Treatment for Inappropriate Affect
The treatment for inappropriate affect depends on the underlying cause.
You may react negatively or defensively to the other person’s behaviors, which can worsen the situation.
You might also be confused by their behavior and not know how to react.
Below are some suggestions on ways to minimize the impact of inappropriate affect on your life.
Seek Professional Help
Visit a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your inappropriate affect.
This person will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment for your situation.
If you are experiencing inappropriate affect, it is important to seek professional help.
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