State characterized by lack of interest and motivation
Apathy is a term with a wide presence in the field of psychology, since in this way, it is usually designated the individual who in his attitudes and thoughts shows a lack of emotion, enthusiasm and motivation. The apathetic, as a person who presents these characteristics is popularly called, does not respond to any type of motivation linked to the social or emotional life that appears before him.
Apathy is a very common disorder that people can suffer and that can be detected quite simply because it implies total indifference to events or people around us, that is, any situation that happens in our environment, or to the people who make it up, we will not be interested. The external stimuli and also the internal ones do not find any type of response in the state of apathy.
Levels of apathy. How it is detected and treatments
According to the complication that the case of apathy presents, they have been detected three levels of apathy, depression, which would be the least worrisome level, because in itself, of the three in which it is classified, it turns out to be the mildest; then we meet the clinical apathy that already carries a higher level of concern; and the most extreme is known as Dissociative identity disorder.
The neuropsychiatric examination is the tool that professionals have to diagnose clinical apathy. This includes not only delving into the mind of the patient but also into their environment.
Diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's often show symptoms such as apathy.
Any of these degrees of apathy should be considered and it is suggested to start a psychological treatment to treat it and thus be able to overcome it effectively. Many times in the dialogues that are established with the therapist, the deep reasons for apathy can be found and thus be able to work on it to combat it.
But not only in the behavior or thinking of the person affected by apathy it becomes visible, it also physically presents and shows signs, such is the case of physical deterioration in general, loss of energy, muscle mass, among others.
Causes of apathy
Among the causes that can cause apathy, stress stands out, that is, apathy is a direct response to it.
On the other hand, the lack of interest or emotion of an individual towards a certain issue may be the cause of apathy.
For example, Juan is not interested in history, so if history is discussed in the work meeting, it is more than certain that he is apathetic, lacking interest in the subject in question.
The realization of psychological therapy with a professional and also the search for new challenges that interest the person and mobilize them are some of the ways to fight the apathy picture.
Another cause of apathy can be triggered by drug addiction. There are many substances of illegal consumption that consumed in the long term can generate in the addict a state of apathy from which it will be difficult to return, and much more if it continues to be linked to them.
In this case, the treatment should include a mixture of therapy and of course detoxification that implies the cessation of consumption.
On the other hand, apathy can be specific, that is, be caused and directed specifically towards a person, environment or group, which is the one that causes it. Meanwhile, beyond these the person will not be apathetic.
We must emphasize that these cases in which apathy appears in the face of a fact or a person that does not arouse any interest in us, it should be considered as a simple disinterest and will not need any special attention.
