Apathy Apathy is a quantitative reduction of interest, motivation and the initiation and persistence of goal-directed behavior, where often the accompanying emotions, thoughts, and social interactions are also diminished. The individual is typically non-reactive to provocations, positive or negative, and appears to not care. Distinguished from lethargy which involves lack of physical or mental energy. Apathy may co-occur with lethargy. SNOMEDCT_US:20602000 State of indifference Lack of feeling, emotion, interest, motivation, initiation HP:0000741 UMLS:C0085632 Lack of feeling, emotion, interest Abnormal diminished volition