Amotivational Syndrome

If you regularly feel disengaged from daily responsibilities or indifferent to former passions, your feelings may indicate a condition like amotivational syndrome.

Many researchers and healthcare professionals debate the validity of amotivational syndrome. While more studies are needed to understand amotivational syndrome and its mechanisms, its symptoms may resonate among people who frequently use cannabis, are diagnosed with schizophrenia, or use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Read on to learn more about the symptoms of amotivational syndrome, followed by treatments to manage the syndrome and improve your overall health. 

Amotivational syndrome

According to a 2013 study of amotivational syndrome in people who use cannabis and other recreational drugs, individuals with amotivational syndrome may appear detached from the outer world and experience a loss of emotional reactivity, drives, and aims. In general, amotivational syndrome is characterized by a lack of motivation, which is also one of the key symptoms of clinical depression. To diagnose someone with amotivational syndrome, a doctor needs to have a full understanding of that individual’s physical and mental health history, their relationship with drugs, and other factors that may influence amotivation or amotivational behaviors.  

Amotivational syndrome is generally divided into two subtypes: marijuana amotivational syndrome, also known as cannabis-induced amotivational syndrome, and SSRI-induced amotivational syndrome. 

Marijuana amotivational syndrome

The connection between cannabis and amotivational behaviors is a source of extensive debate, as recognized by a group of researchers in a 2006 study of cannabis and motivation. In their research, cannabis-induced amotivational syndrome is characterized by apathy toward life, fatigue, and poor performance at work and school. In their study of regular cannabis users, the researchers found no correlation between cannabis use and motivation syndromes. In other studies, however, result aligns with the amotivational syndrome hypothesis: in a 2019 study of marijuana and motivation, for example, researchers identified significant links between chronic cannabis usage, apathy, and passivity, which may reduce performance at work and school. 

Ultimately, researchers are gathering more information to clarify the connection between cannabis consumption and amotivational syndrome. As the research develops, it’s important to remember that other lifestyle factors can affect our ability to self-motivate. Psychologists often discuss motivation, or amotivational behaviors, under the umbrella of self-efficacy, which describes an individual’s belief in their capacity to perform and achieve desired outcomes. Some research indicates that cannabis may reduce an individual’s sense of self-efficacy, and, indirectly affect, amotivation or amotivational syndrome.

SSRI-induced amotivational syndrome

For many people living with clinical depression and anxiety, SSRIs are an invaluable tool. However, some studies suggest that regular SSRI usage is associated with behavioral apathy and emotional blunting, which means that individuals may experience low motivation and have difficulty getting hold of a full range of emotions. The mechanisms of SSRI-induced amotivational syndrome remain unclear, but current research points toward a disruption of activity in the frontal lobes. In some people, SSRIs may cause dysfunction in this brain region by altering levels of serotonin, which plays a role in emotional processing, mood, sexual desire, and other psychological dimensions.

For many people, the symptoms of amotivational syndrome resemble those of clinical depression. In people with amotivational syndrome, some of the most common changes in personality, emotions, and cognitive function include:

• Poor concentration

• Memory disturbances

• Reduced or “blunted” emotions

• Apathy

• Lack of activity

• Avolition, or the failure to engage in goal-directed behavior, per the APA

Compared to a person with clinical depression or a depressive syndrome, an individual with amotivational syndrome may find that their symptoms subside when they reduce their use of cannabis or SSRIs. However, people who are predisposed to develop amotivational syndrome may already have a history of depression or related mental health syndromes. If you suspect that your use of SSRIs, cannabis, or another recreational or prescription drug is affecting your motivation and overall health, consult a doctor for further guidance on amotivational syndrome. 

Amotivational syndrome controversy 

To date, most of the research on amotivational syndrome consists of observational reports and case histories. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, none of the research on amotivational syndrome yields any conclusive evidence about the existence and causes of amotivational syndrome.

While SSRIs have been associated with indifference, it’s unclear whether they lead to a loss of motivation and drive that meet the criteria for amotivational syndrome. Similarly, in the realm of cannabis, researchers have not reached any concrete conclusions about the long-term motivational and psychological side effects of regular cannabis usage. However, there is little doubt that cannabis intoxication has some effect on the nervous system. When amotivational syndrome is discussed in the context of cannabis, it may be more helpful – and more accurate – to regard amotivational syndrome as a set of behaviors. From this standpoint, these amotivational behaviors develop from an interaction of cannabis usage, personality traits, and circumstantial factors that may affect a person’s motivation levels.

Preexisting mental health conditions, socioeconomic factors, and generalized life stress may predispose individuals to use cannabis, develop depression, and/or develop amotivational syndrome. Like many psychological syndromes, it’s difficult to show that a single factor “causes” amotivational syndrome.

If you believe that you or a loved one are experiencing amotivational syndrome, it’s important to connect with a therapist and doctor and discuss your lack of motivation. While your healthcare provider will likely recognize the controversy surrounding amotivational syndrome, they can also validate your concerns and discuss a treatment plan. 

If you suspect that you’re experiencing amotivational syndrome due to cannabis or SSRIs, your doctor will most likely recommend one of the following options:

• Reduce your cannabis usage

• Reduce the dosage of your SSRI medication

• Try another form of antidepressant drugs 

Consult with your doctor before making any of these decisions regarding amotivational syndrome. It’s important to implement any lifestyle changes gradually, safely, and with the oversight of a licensed medical professional.

A growing body of evidence indicates that online therapy can effectively address depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and related conditions. In a study of Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), participants reported feeling actively engaged in the treatment, which was interactive and could be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. While this study does not explicitly assess amotivational syndrome, the researchers note that when patients play an active role in the therapeutic process, they may be more motivated to do the “work” of therapy and utilize coping strategies outside of sessions.

Platforms like BetterHelp give you the flexibility to connect with licensed, experienced therapists on your own terms. Get hold of resources and counseling sessions from the comfort of your home, and communicate with your therapist via text, live chat, video conference, or phone call.