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Greenson, R.R. (1949). The Psychology of Apathy. Psychoanal Q., 18:290-302.

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(1949). Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 18:290-302

The Psychology of Apathy

Ralph R. Greenson, M.D. Author Information

I

Apathy may be defined phenomenologically as a state of affectlessness (11). It is a term frequently used in the description of various psychopathological states. Apathetic reactions have been noted in catatonic schizophrenics and in depressives. It has been observed as a psychological sequel to organic diseases of long duration, and it is known to occur in otherwise apparently healthy human beings as a concomitant of boredom. In all of the above-mentioned conditions apathy was only a secondary or unimportant manifestation. During the war, however, it was possible to observe apathy as the predominant feature in certain types of war neuroses.

The most striking characteristic of the apathetic patient is his visible lack of emotion and drive. At first glance he seems to be depressed; closer scrutiny, however, reveals lack of affect. He appears slowed down in his psychic and motor responses; he shows an emptiness of expression and a masklike facies. These patients are often fou

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