avolition

noun

avo·​li·​tion (ˈ)ā-ˌvō-ˈli-shən, -və- How to pronounce avolition (audio)
: a lack of interest or engagement in goal-directed behavior
Many people with schizophrenia experience avolition, or apathy, feeling drained of energy and of interest in normal goals and unable to start or follow through on a course of action.Ronald J. Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 7th edition
avolitional adjective
In studies at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, we have found that schizophrenia patients with avolitional pathology are a minority and that the presence of that pathology helps define a separate putative disease entity within the schizophrenia syndrome … William T. Carpenter, The American Journal of Psychiatry

Dictionary Entries Near avolition

Cite this Entry

“Avolition.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/avolition. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

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