PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). This disorder is also common after brain injury.This causes people to lose interest in things that they used to enjoy, which makes them seem detached and apathetic. Depression is unfortunately common after brain injury and can interfere with the way the brain processes emotion. Other conditions that can cause similar symptoms after brain injury include: Not every TBI survivor who shows a lack of emotion has flat affect. Other Reasons Why Someone May Lack Emotional Expression Psychologists call this lack of emotional expressiveness after brain injury “flat affect” because the person’s voice often has a flat, monotonous sound.

Therefore, if this cortex becomes damaged, a person will have trouble expressing emotions with their face and voice. The cingulate cortex helps translate emotions into facial expressions. Thus, if a brain injury damages these structures, the person may lose control of their emotions.Īnother part of the brain that plays a role in emotion is the cingulate cortex, which connects to the limbic system. They are what allow us to react appropriately to emotional situations. These structures help the brain control emotional responses. This system includes three important structures within the brain: The area of the brain most involved in emotion is called the limbic system. What Causes Flat Affect After Brain Injury? You’re about to learn the causes and symptoms of flat affect and how to treat it. Depression and other emotional problems can also contribute. This condition, also known as flat affect, is caused by damage to the frontal lobe of the brain. Rather, they have limited ability to show signs of emotion with their facial expressions or voice, and typically demonstrate less reaction to emotional stimuli. However, most people with this problem do not actually lack emotions. A seeming lack of emotion is a common symptom of brain injury.

Flat vs blunted affect