What does "Affect" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
In the field of medicine, "affect" refers to the observable emotional state of a person. It's how a person's feelings are shown through their behavior, such as their facial expression, tone of voice, or body language. For example, a person might have a happy affect if they're smiling and speaking in a cheerful tone. Doctors often observe a patient's affect to get clues about their mental health.
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