Do antidepressants help with apathy?
Apathy is not synonymous to depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used for treatment of depression, have been known to worsen the symptoms of apathy in some patients.
What is apathy most commonly a symptom of?
Apathy involves a lack of interest in different aspects of life, including normal daily tasks and social activities. It is often seen in varying degrees in healthy people, but it is also a symptom of a number of different mental health conditions including depression.
Is apathy the same as depression?
Apathy could also translate into how you interact with others, such as feeling less compassionate toward friends or less emotionally invested in relationships. While much of the above sounds similar to depression, it’s important to note that apathy is not the same as depression.
What medications can cause apathy?
Abstract. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly used to treat depression, are associated with loss of motivation, anergy, and lack of curiosity often referred collectively as apathy.
How do you treat apathy?
How is apathy treated?
- Therapy. If apathy relates to a mental health condition or present (or past) challenges in your life, therapy offers a safe space to talk through what you’re experiencing and explore strategies to navigate those difficulties.
- Medications.
- Other approaches.
- Lifestyle changes.
Is apathy a medical condition?
But persistent apathy can affect your relationships, everyday life, and overall well-being. It might also happen as a symptom of a number of medical and mental health conditions, which could get worse without treatment.
What are the causes of apathy?
Sometimes, apathetic feelings are a result of things we can recognize and change—for example, we’re feeling bored at work or we’re no longer attracted to someone we once felt attracted to. But sometimes apathy is a symptom of a larger issue we’re facing, like trauma, grief, or an underlying mental health condition.