Avolition: Definition, Examples, & Treatments

Avolition Definition

Avolition differs from avoiding responsibilities, procrastinating work, or “being lazy.” Someone with avolition is unable to initiate and follow through with certain tasks. This symptom will apply even if severe consequences could occur. In most cases, positive reinforcement or other forms of rewards also won’t change the level of motivation.

Some examples of avolition at home include:

• Laying still for hours
• Failing to complete household chores
• Neglecting basic hygiene
• Failing to meet essential deadlines
• Having a messy or unsanitary home

Some examples of avolition in the workplace include:

• Trouble staying on task
• Exhibiting little to no interest in work projects
• Failing to respond to calls, emails, etc.
• Disinterest in coworkers or clients
• Having a disorganized office or messy desk

Some examples of avolition in relationships include:

• Acting detached and/or uninterested in others
• Not following through with plans
• Ignoring texts, emails, and phone calls
• Talking minimally during social interactions
• Withdrawing from social commitments as much as possible

What Causes Avolition?

Experts have not pinpointed a single cause of avolition. However, it is linked with other disorders. Some research shows that people with schizophrenia and avolition have structural differences in the parts of the brain associated with reward and motivation.² Genetics, environmental factors, and temperament may impact one’s predisposition for avolition.

Avolition & Schizophrenia

Avolition is considered a negative symptom of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia and avolition typically lack the motivation or discipline to complete tasks. Some research suggests that avolition is the core negative symptom of schizophrenia. However, it can coincide with other negative symptoms, including affective, communicative, and interpersonal deficits.³

Avolition & Other Disorders

Although the majority of research has focused on the relationship between avolition and schizophrenia, this behavioral symptom is also present in other conditions. In addition to psychotic disorders, avolition can occur in people with mood disorders and those with histories of complex trauma. Research also highlights that avolition may happen due to acquired brain injuries.⁴

Other disorders that often coincide with avolition include:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Avolition Vs. Laziness

Loved ones may have a hard time distinguishing avolition from laziness. We live in a society that often stigmatizes procrastinating behaviors while reinforcing those who identify and work hard to achieve their goals. At first glance, avolition can undoubtedly look like intentional laziness. Some people may also confuse this symptom for depression.

People who experience avolition often experience an intense sense of emotional paralysis when needing to complete certain tasks. Failing to act doesn’t feel like a choice, as they aren’t consciously deciding to procrastinate or avoid doing something. Instead, it’s more a default response, and it can feel impossible to change the pattern.

How Is Avolition Diagnosed?

Avolition itself isn’t diagnosed, as it is not a mental health disorder. Instead, a doctor or psychiatrist will examine avolition symptoms in conjunction with other symptoms to establish a potential mental health diagnosis. They may also examine your current physical health to determine any other underlying causes of avolition.

The diagnosis process for avolition may include:

• Medical history analysis: It’s important to understand your medical background, including any physical health issues and medications. This information can help your doctor review the next steps for evaluation and treatment.
• Psychological evaluation: Psychological evaluations entail reviewing someone’s mental health history, current symptoms, and family background. This information can establish an initial working diagnosis, which may provide a rationale for avolition.
• Physical evaluation: Physical evaluations can rule out other causes, including drug use, medication interactions, or previous injuries that may be causing or exacerbating avolition.
• Family interviews: Sometimes, healthcare professionals question family members about certain behaviors or medical history. These details can help the provider if the patient is a minor or cannot accurately provide information.

Avolition Treatment

It’s important to note that there are no specific treatments aimed at targeting avolition. Instead, treatment focuses on managing the disorders associated with this condition. Each condition has its own various evidence-based treatment methods. In many cases, decreasing overall mental health symptoms will also reduce the intensity of avolition.

Therapy options for avolition include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT may help enhance motivation by teaching people how to reframe negative thoughts and choose more adaptive coping skills.
• Dialectical behavior therapy: DBT helps people strengthen distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills, which may reduce the intensity of avolition.
• Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing can be effective for people struggling with ambivalence, avoidance, and avolition themes. Research shows that it can also be beneficial for people with negative schizophrenia symptoms.⁵

Medication options for avolition include:

• Antipsychotic medications: Antipsychotic medications are typically the first recommendation for people experiencing psychotic disorders. While these won’t necessarily block avolition, they can reduce psychotic symptoms, which can significantly improve someone’s overall emotional well-being.
• Depression medications: Depression medications, such as SSRIs, may be recommended for people with co-occurring mood or anxiety disorders. These medications can help “lift” one’s mood, which may enhance motivation.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): ECT entails short brain stimulations that can help improve one’s mental health. This treatment is typically only recommended if other medication options have not worked.

When to Seek Professional Support

Undoubtedly, avolition can be a debilitating symptom for individuals and their loved ones. If left untreated, it can result in severe consequences, including job loss, strained relationships, financial instability, and a compromise in one’s physical and emotional health. If you are struggling with these symptoms, consider seeking professional support.

Look for a therapist who specializes in avolition- you can get started using our online therapist directory or online therapy platform a good choice for finding a therapist who specializes in avolition. Many people also benefit from working with a psychiatrist to discuss and monitor medication. There are many in-person and online psychiatrist options available.