During a clinical interview, a patient’s mood changes rapidly and dramatically without clear triggers. Which term best describes this finding?

• A. Labile affect
• B. Blunted affect
• C. Flat affect
• D. Neglect

Answer: (A)

Labile affect is the outward expression of mood that fluctuates rapidly and unpredictably, with abrupt shifts from one emotional tone to another and without clear external causes. In a clinical interview, this means the patient’s facial expression, tone, and overall affect swing quickly—going from cheerfulness to sadness or irritability in a short span. This contrasts with blunted affect (marked reduction in emotional expressiveness) or flat affect (no visible emotional response), which do not involve rapid mood swings. Neglect refers to inattention or disregard of stimuli, not changes in affect. Therefore, the description fits labile affect best.