What term describes lack of emotional expression?

• A. Euthymia
• B. Labile mood
• C. Flat affect
• D. Anhedonia

Answer: (C)

Lack of emotional expression is described by flat affect. This term refers to a noticeable reduction or absence of facial expressions, voice inflection, and body language that would normally convey emotion. It focuses on how emotion is displayed outwardly, not necessarily what the person feels inside. Euthymia means a stable, normal mood, not a lack of expression. A labile mood involves rapid, unpredictable changes in mood, showing variability rather than a flat, unmoved affect. Anhedonia is the diminished ability to experience pleasure, which concerns internal experience of reward rather than outward expression. Therefore, flat affect best fits the description of lacking emotional expression.