<h2>Main causes of Apathy</h2>

<p>There are 2 main ways that Apathy can manifest itself, and that is either through a mental health condition, or a physical medical condition. (APA, 2013 p. 682) (<a href="http://apps.who.int/classifications/icd10/browse/2010/en#/F00-F09" rel="nofollow noreferrer">IDC-10 Code: F07</a>)</p>

<p>I will list some mental health causes and physical causes below, but the main way of dealing with the apathy would depend on the cause.</p>

<h2>Treatment for apathy</h2>

<p>The way to treat apathy would be to treat the <strong>root cause</strong>, where possible, through psychotherapy, psychiatric help and/or other agency support.</p>

<p>I emphasised <strong>root cause</strong> because where the initial cause found may be substance abuse for example, the substance abuse can be attributed to a different cause (the root cause) which could be a parent-child relationship problem or trauma.</p>

<h2>Where apathy persists after treatment</h2>

<p>If apathy remains after successful treatment of the root cause(s), then the problem will most likely lie with motivation.</p>

<p>You could look at the question on here about <a href="https://psychology.stackexchange.com/questions/16742/theories-of-human-motivation">Theories of Human Motivation</a> for information, or just look at various motivational courses, exercises and activities <a href="http://www.planetofsuccess.com/motivationtechniques/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">such as these activities</a>.</p>

<h2>Breakdown of Main Causes of Apathy</h2>

<h3>Mental health causes</h3>

<p>This is not a full list, but includes,</p>

<ul>
<li><p><strong>Separation Axiety Disorder</strong><br></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>When separated from major attachment figures, children with separation anxiety disorder may exhibit social withdrawal, <strong>apathy</strong>, sadness, or difficulty concentrating on work or play.<br>(APA, 2013 p. 192)</p>
</blockquote></li>
<li><p><strong>Major Depressive Disorder</strong></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>In major depressive disorder, the individual may avoid leaving
  home <strong>because of apathy</strong>, loss of energy, low self-esteem, and anhedonia. (APA, 2013 p. 221)</p>
</blockquote></li>
<li><p><strong>Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs) such as Delirium</strong></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Delirium is often associated with a disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle....The individual with delirium may exhibit emotional disturbances, such as anxiety, fear, depression, irritability, anger, euphoria, and <strong>apathy</strong>. (APA, 2013 p. 600)</p>
</blockquote></li>
<li><p><strong>Behavioral-Variant Major or Mild Frontotemporal NCD</strong></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>present with <strong>varying degrees of apathy or disinhibition</strong>. They may lose interest in socialization, selfcare, and personal responsibilities, or display socially inappropriate behaviors. (APA, 2013 p. 615)</p>
</blockquote></li>
</ul>

<h3>Physical Problems Causing Mental Health Problems</h3>

<p>This is not a full list, but includes,</p>

<ul>
<li><p><strong>Inhalant Intoxication</strong><br>
This can create</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Clinically significant problematic behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., belligerence, assaultiveness, <strong>apathy</strong>, impaired judgment) (APA, 2013 p. 538)</p>
</blockquote></li>
<li><p><strong>Opioid Intoxication</strong><br>
This can create</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Clinically significant problematic behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., initial euphoria <strong>followed by apathy</strong>, dysphoria, psychomotor agitation or retardation, impaired judgment) that developed during, or shortly after, opioid use. (APA, 2013 p. 546)</p>
</blockquote></li>
<li><p><strong>Other toxic, metabolic, traumatic, neoplastic, or infectious disorders that impair brain function and cognition</strong></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Numerous neurological and other medical conditions may produce the clinically significant behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., belligerence, assaultiveness, <strong>apathy</strong>, impaired judgment) that also characterize inhalant intoxication. (APA, 2013 p. 540)</p>
</blockquote></li>
<li><p><strong>Major or Mild NCD due to Traumatic Brain Injury</strong></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>may be accompanied by disturbances in emotional function
  (e.g., irritability, easy frustration, tension and anxiety, affective lability); personality changes (e.g., disinhibition, <strong>apathy</strong>, suspiciousness, aggression); physical disturbances (e.g., headache, fatigue, sleep disorders, vertigo or dizziness, tinnitus or hyperacusis, photosensitivity, anosmia, reduced tolerance to psychotropic medications); and, particularly in more severe TBI, neurological symptoms and signs (e.g., seizures, hemiparesis, visual disturbances, cranial nerve deficits) and evidence of orthopedic injuries. (APA, 2013 p. 625)</p>
</blockquote></li>
</ul>

<h2>References</h2>

<p>American Psychiatric Association. (2013). <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</em> (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2018-01-24T13:16:34.203Z
2018-01-24T13:16:34.203Z
Chris Rogers
<p>Has any extensive research been done into what the most common causes of apathy are and are there any treatments with a highly reported success rate? If so, what are these?</p>

<p>For clarification of what apathy is, it is <strong>a state of desensitization</strong>, where subjects seem to strongly lack any observable moods, and have severely dampened feelings and/or emotions. One well known side effect is that apathetic people often struggle to motivate themselves to perform tasks.</p>

<p>(From wikipedia)</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Apathy is a lack of feeling, emotion, interest, and concern. Apathy is a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation, and/or passion. An apathetic individual has an absence of interest in or concern about emotional, social, spiritual, philosophical, and/or physical life and the world.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Other questions specifically about apathy: <a href="https://cogsci.stackexchange.com/questions/3787/what-are-the-cognitive-and-neurological-bases-for-apathy">What are the cognitive and neurological bases for apathy?</a></p>

<p>Some research about pathological apathy I was able to find: <a href="https://academic.oup.com/cercor/article/26/2/807/2367142/Individual-Differences-in-Premotor-Brain-Systems" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://academic.oup.com/cercor/article/26/2/807/2367142/Individual-Differences-in-Premotor-Brain-Systems</a> (here's also an <a href="http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2015-11-13-brain-structure-may-be-root-apathy-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">article</a>)</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-07T16:13:07.067Z
Are you describing apathy as a form of pathology, like depression?
mrt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-08T03:11:19.147Z
@mrt Yes, I am of that belief. I know apathy is commonly associated with various mental disorders and conditions and I am open to that view and not excluding that possibility, but I have reason to believe that apathy can exist independent of these conditions. An example scenario would be that apathy could have been created as a symptom or byproduct of another condition, such as depression but even after that condition is 'cured' the apathy can still remain afterwards as a condition of it's own.
Cestarian
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-08T04:31:13.730Z
@DavidBlomstrom that's an interesting albeit slightly crazy theory. But I think perhaps the internet might have something to do with it, it's this huge infinite source of knowledge past generations didn't have access to. I think this knowledge could potentially lead to apathy, for example as a subconscious response to knowing the facts that people all over the world are suffering and you can't do anything to save them, this encourages reduced empathy so that you don't have to feel bad about it. If this is the case then apathy could be a pandemic right now and we might not even know it.
Cestarian
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-08T15:37:06.487Z
@DavidBlomstrom you may be confusing mind control with propaganda. Which is a form of mind control but it's not bona fide mind control, it's designed to influence people of neutral position to form a specific stance. You may also be talking about subliminal messages, but based on research I've seen, subliminal messages can only strengthen your stance on something or re-direct it rather than actually 'control' anything (for example you're hungry, you see a picture of a juicy hamburger, you are now hungry for burgers specifically instead of just being hungry for anything)... Define mind control.
Cestarian
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-08T17:48:24.310Z
@Cestarian  Well, do you have any peer-reviewed empirical evidence to support your claim that apathy is a discrete pathology?  It would be difficult to answer this question if the premise is false.
mrt
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-08T18:38:38.900Z
@mrt there is this https://academic.oup.com/cercor/article/26/2/807/2367142/Individual-Differences-in-Premotor-Brain-Systems It also exists in article form, if you're feeling lazy http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2015-11-13-brain-structure-may-be-root-apathy-1
Cestarian
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-09T14:19:18.907Z
@DavidBlomstrom I think that this is an interesting idea. I'm not quite convinced, but it's a fairly unique angle.
Cestarian
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-09T20:36:02.307Z
Another contributor might be that we're so burned out by the barrage of messages, especially advertising, that we refuse to process them. But who cares. There are so many problems, how can you deal with them all? Wait, that's outrage fatigue. Or maybe stress.
Ralph Crown
CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-08-10T10:59:06.803Z
@Cestarian Incorporating those links you posted as building blocks upon which your question is based (apathy is a discrete pahtology) would make a great edit!
Steven Jeuris
<cognitive-psychology><clinical-psychology>
What are the best known causes and treatments for apathy?
Cestarian
# What are the best known causes and treatments for apathy?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-08-07)

Has any extensive research been done into what the most common causes of apathy are and are there any treatments with a highly reported success rate? If so, what are these?

For clarification of what apathy is, it is **a state of desensitization**, where subjects seem to strongly lack any observable moods, and have severely dampened feelings and/or emotions. One well known side effect is that apathetic people often struggle to motivate themselves to perform tasks.

(From wikipedia)

> Apathy is a lack of feeling, emotion, interest, and concern. Apathy is a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation, and/or passion. An apathetic individual has an absence of interest in or concern about emotional, social, spiritual, philosophical, and/or physical life and the world.

Other questions specifically about apathy: [What are the cognitive and neurological bases for apathy?](https://cogsci.stackexchange.com/questions/3787/what-are-the-cognitive-and-neurological-bases-for-apathy)

Some research about pathological apathy I was able to find: <https://academic.oup.com/cercor/article/26/2/807/2367142/Individual-Differences-in-Premotor-Brain-Systems> (here's also an [article](http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2015-11-13-brain-structure-may-be-root-apathy-1))

**Tags:** cognitive-psychology, clinical-psychology

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Are you describing apathy as a form of pathology, like depression?  
> **username_0**: @username_1 Yes, I am of that belief. I know apathy is commonly associated with various mental disorders and conditions and I am open to that view and not excluding that possibility, but I have reason to believe that apathy can exist independent of these conditions. An example scenario would be that apathy could have been created as a symptom or byproduct of another condition, such as depression but even after that condition is 'cured' the apathy can still remain afterwards as a condition of it's own.  
> **username_0**: @DavidBlomstrom that's an interesting albeit slightly crazy theory. But I think perhaps the internet might have something to do with it, it's this huge infinite source of knowledge past generations didn't have access to. I think this knowledge could potentially lead to apathy, for example as a subconscious response to knowing the facts that people all over the world are suffering and you can't do anything to save them, this encourages reduced empathy so that you don't have to feel bad about it. If this is the case then apathy could be a pandemic right now and we might not even know it.  
> **username_0**: @DavidBlomstrom you may be confusing mind control with propaganda. Which is a form of mind control but it's not bona fide mind control, it's designed to influence people of neutral position to form a specific stance. You may also be talking about subliminal messages, but based on research I've seen, subliminal messages can only strengthen your stance on something or re-direct it rather than actually 'control' anything (for example you're hungry, you see a picture of a juicy hamburger, you are now hungry for burgers specifically instead of just being hungry for anything)... Define mind control.  
> **username_1**: @username_0  Well, do you have any peer-reviewed empirical evidence to support your claim that apathy is a discrete pathology?  It would be difficult to answer this question if the premise is false.  
> **username_0**: @username_1 there is this https://academic.oup.com/cercor/article/26/2/807/2367142/Individual-Differences-in-Premotor-Brain-Systems It also exists in article form, if you're feeling lazy http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2015-11-13-brain-structure-may-be-root-apathy-1  
> **username_0**: @DavidBlomstrom I think that this is an interesting idea. I'm not quite convinced, but it's a fairly unique angle.  
> **username_2**: Another contributor might be that we're so burned out by the barrage of messages, especially advertising, that we refuse to process them. But who cares. There are so many problems, how can you deal with them all? Wait, that's outrage fatigue. Or maybe stress.  
> **username_3**: @username_0 Incorporating those links you posted as building blocks upon which your question is based (apathy is a discrete pahtology) would make a great edit!  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_4 on 2018-01-24. Score: 2 | Accepted answer

## Main causes of Apathy

There are 2 main ways that Apathy can manifest itself, and that is either through a mental health condition, or a physical medical condition. (APA, 2013 p. 682) ([IDC-10 Code: F07](http://apps.who.int/classifications/icd10/browse/2010/en#/F00-F09))

I will list some mental health causes and physical causes below, but the main way of dealing with the apathy would depend on the cause.

## Treatment for apathy

The way to treat apathy would be to treat the **root cause**, where possible, through psychotherapy, psychiatric help and/or other agency support.

I emphasised **root cause** because where the initial cause found may be substance abuse for example, the substance abuse can be attributed to a different cause (the root cause) which could be a parent-child relationship problem or trauma.

## Where apathy persists after treatment

If apathy remains after successful treatment of the root cause(s), then the problem will most likely lie with motivation.

You could look at the question on here about [Theories of Human Motivation](https://psychology.stackexchange.com/questions/16742/theories-of-human-motivation) for information, or just look at various motivational courses, exercises and activities [such as these activities](http://www.planetofsuccess.com/motivationtechniques/).

## Breakdown of Main Causes of Apathy

### Mental health causes

This is not a full list, but includes,

* **Separation Axiety Disorder**

  > When separated from major attachment figures, children with separation anxiety disorder may exhibit social withdrawal, **apathy**, sadness, or difficulty concentrating on work or play.  
  > (APA, 2013 p. 192)
* **Major Depressive Disorder**

  > In major depressive disorder, the individual may avoid leaving
  > home **because of apathy**, loss of energy, low self-esteem, and anhedonia. (APA, 2013 p. 221)
* **Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs) such as Delirium**

  > Delirium is often associated with a disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle....The individual with delirium may exhibit emotional disturbances, such as anxiety, fear, depression, irritability, anger, euphoria, and **apathy**. (APA, 2013 p. 600)
* **Behavioral-Variant Major or Mild Frontotemporal NCD**

  > present with **varying degrees of apathy or disinhibition**. They may lose interest in socialization, selfcare, and personal responsibilities, or display socially inappropriate behaviors. (APA, 2013 p. 615)

### Physical Problems Causing Mental Health Problems

This is not a full list, but includes,

* **Inhalant Intoxication**  
  This can create

  > Clinically significant problematic behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., belligerence, assaultiveness, **apathy**, impaired judgment) (APA, 2013 p. 538)
* **Opioid Intoxication**  
  This can create

  > Clinically significant problematic behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., initial euphoria **followed by apathy**, dysphoria, psychomotor agitation or retardation, impaired judgment) that developed during, or shortly after, opioid use. (APA, 2013 p. 546)
* **Other toxic, metabolic, traumatic, neoplastic, or infectious disorders that impair brain function and cognition**

  > Numerous neurological and other medical conditions may produce the clinically significant behavioral or psychological changes (e.g., belligerence, assaultiveness, **apathy**, impaired judgment) that also characterize inhalant intoxication. (APA, 2013 p. 540)
* **Major or Mild NCD due to Traumatic Brain Injury**

  > may be accompanied by disturbances in emotional function
  > (e.g., irritability, easy frustration, tension and anxiety, affective lability); personality changes (e.g., disinhibition, **apathy**, suspiciousness, aggression); physical disturbances (e.g., headache, fatigue, sleep disorders, vertigo or dizziness, tinnitus or hyperacusis, photosensitivity, anosmia, reduced tolerance to psychotropic medications); and, particularly in more severe TBI, neurological symptoms and signs (e.g., seizures, hemiparesis, visual disturbances, cranial nerve deficits) and evidence of orthopedic injuries. (APA, 2013 p. 625)

## References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders* (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing.


---

