Definition: Mood is the sustained emotional tone that persists over time, reflecting an individual's internal emotional experience. It can be reported by the individual or inferred by an evaluator.
Examples of Moods:
Euthymic Mood: A stable and balanced emotional state without significant highs or lows. It is often described as feeling calm, content, or neutral.
Irritable Mood: Characterized by increased sensitivity to frustration or anger, leading to feelings of being easily annoyed or impatient. Individuals may describe feeling "on edge" or frustrated.
Pessimistic Mood: A negative outlook on life, marked by feelings of hopelessness or helplessness. Individuals may believe the future is bleak and that improvement is unlikely.
Depressed Mood: A state of persistent sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest in activities. Individuals may feel worthless or unable to experience pleasure.
Hypomanic Mood: An abnormally elevated or expansive emotional state, often with increased energy or irritability. It may involve impulsiveness or a sense of grandiosity.
Euphoric Mood: An intense feeling of happiness or elation that is disproportionate to the current situation.
Affect
Definition: Affect is the observable behavioral expression of emotion, often regarded as the outward manifestation of mood. It is evaluated through facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and overall behavior.
Examples of Affects:
Appropriate Affect: When a person's emotional expression aligns with their reported mood and the situation.
Labile Affect: Involves rapid and unpredictable changes in emotional expression that may not align with the situation or mood.
Restricted Affect: Limited range of emotional expression, where the individual appears subdued or unemotional, even in situations that typically provoke a stronger response.
Blunted Affect: A noticeable reduction in emotional expression; individuals may appear flat or emotionless regardless of situation or mood.
Flat Affect: A complete absence of emotional expression, characterized by an emotionless face, a voice lacking inflection, and minimal body language variation.
Reference:
Martin, D. C. (1990). The Mental Status Examination. In H. K. Walker (Eds.) et. al., Clinical methods: The history, physical, and laboratory examinations. (3rd ed.). Butterworths.