Lack of motivation is not a mental health disorder. However, people who are struggling with a psychiatric problem may lack motivation to change or to ask for help for their problems. Also, symptoms of particular psychiatric disorders may mimic signs of poor motivation. For example, people who are depressed suffer from anhedonia (the inability to gain pleasure from normally pleasurable experiences) and often feel hopeless, are indecisive, and physically slowed down. Because of these symptoms individuals may give the impression they are not interested in improving their lives. It is important to keep in mind that most people do want to improve the quality of their lives, but may have a difficult time doing so. It takes practice using new tools and incorporating new behaviors to improve and increase motivation.

¹Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (1991). Motivational interviewing: Preparing people for change. New York: Guilford Press.