Blunted affect is described as which of the following?

• A. Reduced emotional expression
• B. Absence of emotional expression
• C. Rapid mood changes
• D. Excessive grooming

Answer: (A)

Blunted affect means a diminished outward display of emotion. You’ll see a reduced range and intensity of facial expressions, voice tone, and gestures even when the person talks about emotions. It’s not the complete absence of expression—that would be a flat affect. Rapid mood changes describe affective lability, and excessive grooming is a behavioral symptom, not about emotional expression. So the description that fits blunted affect is reduced emotional expression.