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What Is Anhedonia? Anhedonia Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

The sensation of joy is one that almost everyone can relate to. They have predetermined ideas about what will make them happy. Perhaps you find solace in the cycling motion, the sea’s soothing sounds, or the touch of another person’s hand. However, some people gradually stop experiencing happiness. Things that used to bring them joy no longer do so. Lack of pleasure; that’s anhedonia.


What is Anhedonia?

Anhedonia is characterized by the inability to experience pleasure or a diminished ability to find enjoyment in activities or things that typically bring pleasure. It is often associated with various mental health disorders, particularly depression.

Anhedonia complicates social interactions, including those with loved ones. When there is no longer anything to gain from socializing, it can be difficult to muster the energy to do so. If you no longer see the point in socializing, you may start declining invitations and avoiding events like concerts, parties, and even one-on-one gatherings.

Or perhaps you suffer from social anxiety. You have a hard time feeling accepted, particularly in social situations.

Consider how difficult it would be on your relationships if you never got the chance to express your appreciation for a loved one or how much fun you had spent the day with a friend. But if you suffer from anhedonia, you won’t be able to because you won’t feel pleasure. Meanwhile, lacking libido can be hard on a couple’s love life.

Anhedonia Meaning

Anhedonia derives from the Greek words “an” (without) and “hedone” (pleasure). It refers to the inability to experience pleasure or a lack of interest in once-enjoyable activities.

The sensation of joy is one that almost everyone can relate to. They have predetermined ideas about what will make them happy. Perhaps you find solace in the cycling motion, the sea’s soothing sounds, or the touch of another person’s hand. However, some people gradually stop experiencing happiness. Things that used to bring them joy no longer do so. Lack of pleasure; that’s anhedonia.

Two Types of Anhedonia

  • Social Anhedonia: Social anhedonia is a diminished ability to experience pleasure from social interactions and relationships. Individuals with social anhedonia may struggle to derive enjoyment or satisfaction from socializing, engaging in group activities, or forming close connections. This type of anhedonia is often associated with social withdrawal, feelings of loneliness, and difficulty connecting with others emotionally.
  • Physical Anhedonia: Physical anhedonia is a reduced ability to derive pleasure from physical or sensory experiences. It involves a diminished response to pleasurable sensations like taste, touch, or sexual activity. People with physical anhedonia may find it challenging to enjoy activities like eating their favorite foods, engaging in hobbies that involve sensory stimulation, or experiencing physical intimacy with a partner. Sexual anhedonia can also be categorized here.

Examples of Anhedonia – Symptoms of Anhedonia

Anhedonia has a wide range of symptoms and contexts in which it manifests. Some potential manifestations of anhedonia include the following:

  • Disinterest in things that used to bring joy and fulfillment, such as favorite pastimes, social gatherings, or pursuing one’s goals. They may no longer find pleasure in what used to bring them happiness.
  • Anhedonia has been linked to a diminished capacity to experience positive emotions. This can lead to a lack of reaction to positive events or stimuli or an inability to feel the full range of emotions that others may feel.
  • The inability to get started on or keep up with activities that take work or have a clear end goal is a common symptom of anhedonia. Some activities that used to give you pleasure or a sense of accomplishment may no longer do so.
  • Anhedonia can make it difficult to enjoy or even participate in social situations with other people. When people have trouble maintaining relationships or staying interested in social activities, it can lead to isolation and depression.
The sensation of joy is one that almost everyone can relate to. They have predetermined ideas about what will make them happy. Perhaps you find solace in the cycling motion, the sea's soothing sounds, or the touch of another person's hand. However, some people gradually stop experiencing happiness. Things that used to bring them joy no longer do so. Lack of pleasure; that's anhedonia.
The sensation of joy is one that almost everyone can relate to. They have predetermined ideas about what will make them happy. Perhaps you find solace in the cycling motion, the sea’s soothing sounds, or the touch of another person’s hand. However, some people gradually stop experiencing happiness. Things that used to bring them joy no longer do so. Lack of pleasure; that’s anhedonia.

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What Causes Anhedonia?

Unfortunately, its exact origins are a mystery. Research suggests this disorder may have close ties to various cognitive processes. The region of the brain that is responsible for motivation, anticipation, decision-making, and reward systems were found to be frequently involved in “depression anhedonia” by researchers.

They hypothesized that people with this condition might be unable to self-motivate or plan for a bright future. In addition, they have difficulty judging how much effort will be required to earn a given reward. Several psychological disorders are linked to this condition. It is considered a primary indicator of depression. Additionally, people with schizophrenia often report feelings of physical and social anhedonia.

Depression in bipolar disorder has been linked to this condition. The severity of a patient’s bipolar disorder is typically assessed by looking at the extent to which they experience anhedonia. Anhedonia is another symptom that can occur during recreational drug use or withdrawal. Furthermore, research suggests that people with this condition may be more likely to experiment with recreational drug use. Additionally, they may be more vulnerable to addiction.

Anhedonia Facts

Anhedonia Definition

Anhedonia is when a person cannot experience pleasure from activities that would typically bring them joy. It is commonly associated with depression but can also be related to other mental health issues, such as schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Moreover, Anhedonia is a psychological condition stemming from depression that can also be a symptom of other mental health issues such as schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Signs & Symptoms

It is the incapacity to experience joy. It’s a typical sign of sadness and other mental health conditions. Most individuals are aware of what pleasure is.

Types

In addition, Loren and Jean Chapman distinguished between two types of this condition: social anhedonia and physical anhedonia, or a loss in the capacity to enjoy interpersonal pleasure.

Set Up A Consultation With A Physician If You:

  • Experiencing depressive symptoms.

Common Causes

Factors other than underlying sickness can contribute to a lack of pleasure. Overwork, a recent tragedy, money issues, unfavorable weather, and monotonous activities are a few examples.

It is a prevalent symptom of depressive disorders, and substance use disorders are the lack of the ability to experience pleasure. It might be brought on by a decline in activity in the ventral striatum, a part of the brain associated with motivation and rewards.

As soon as possible, speak with your doctor or a mental health professional if you are experiencing this condition.

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Anhedonia Statistics

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 5.3 million American adults suffer from anhedonia. Additionally, research from the World Health Organization finds that an estimated 250 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and anhedonia is a potential symptom of this condition.

Additionally, about 70% of individuals with severe depressive conditions experience this condition. A person experiencing this condition can be diagnosed with depression even if they don’t have a low or depressed mood because it is a vital sign of major depressive disorder.


70%

About 70% of individuals with serious depressive illnesses experience this condition.

Source: NIMH

1 Billion

With 1 billion individuals affected annually, or 16% to 19% of the world’s population, mental diseases are a significant source of disability.

Source: NIH

1 In 5

In any given year, 1 in 5 Americans will have a mental disease.

Source: CDC


Anhedonia Test

Comprehensive evaluations of a person’s symptoms, medical history, and life experiences are typical. Medical professionals can evaluate the presence and severity of anhedonia by using a variety of instruments, questionnaires, and interviews. These tests help doctors get a clearer picture of a patient’s symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.

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Anhedonia vs Apathy

Anhedonia: when you can’t feel pleasure or don’t enjoy things that are supposed to be enjoyable. It’s a symptom of some mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Anhedonia may or may not affect physical and social domains of life, resulting in a decreased reaction to enjoyable stimuli like food, hobbies, social interactions, or emotional experiences.

Apathy: it’s just a lack of motivation, interest, or emotional responsiveness. It’s not caring about stuff you’re supposed to do or want to achieve. Apathy is not caring or feeling anything towards different aspects of life. Apathy is another term for a lack of motivation and emotional indifference, while anhedonia only refers to decreased pleasure.

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Overcoming Anhedonia isn’t easy, but symptoms can be treated with medication and therapy.
Overcoming Anhedonia isn’t easy, but symptoms can be treated with medication and therapy.

We Level Up WA Anhedonia Treatments

Anhedonia treatment hinges on identifying the root of the problem and treating any accompanying conditions. It typically necessitates a thorough strategy, which may consist of the following elements:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of psychotherapy that has shown promise in treating anhedonia. Individuals can benefit from CBT by learning to recognize unhelpful thought patterns, creating coping mechanisms, and participating in potentially rewarding activities. Its main goal is to alter the attitudes and actions contributing to a lack of pleasure.
  • Medication: Medication can help treat anhedonia, especially when it is a symptom of another mental health disorder, such as depression. To help regulate brain chemicals and boost mood, antidepressant medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other classes of antidepressants may be prescribed.
  • Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to alleviating anhedonia symptoms. Improved anhedonia symptoms may be possible through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, enough sleep, and stress management.
  • Social support: Building and maintaining a support network of family, friends, or support groups can provide emotional support, understanding, and opportunities for meaningful social interactions, which can help combat feelings of isolation and improve mood.

Treating the underlying cause of the problem is essential if anhedonia is just a symptom of something more serious, like depression or schizophrenia. It’s possible that anhedonia could improve if the underlying cause were treated.

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  1. Is anhedonia permanent?

    Like many other mental health disorders, the symptoms and length of time spent experiencing anhedonia can differ from person to person. Some cases of anhedonia may be short-lived, disappearing after the patient receives treatment or when the underlying causes are addressed. However, anhedonia can be chronic or long-lasting for some people.

  2. How to treat anhedonia?

    Anhedonia treatment should take a holistic approach, addressing the condition’s physical and psychological causes. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is frequently used to help patients work through their problems and learn new coping mechanisms. If depression is to blame and antidepressants are needed to treat anhedonia, that will happen. It’s also crucial to adjust one’s lifestyle, seek social support, practice mindfulness, and pay attention to one’s physical health.

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Sources

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[6] Whitton AE, Pizzagalli DA. Anhedonia in Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2022;58:111-127. DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_323. PMID: 35397065. Learn more: anhedonia meaning/anhedonia definition

[7] Eskelund K, Karstoft KI, Andersen SB. Anhedonia and emotional numbing in treatment-seeking veterans: behavioral and electrophysiological responses to reward. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2018 Mar 15;9(1):1446616. DOI 10.1080/20008198.2018.1446616. PMID: 29707167; PMCID: PMC5912443. Learn more: anhedonia meaning/anhedonia definition

[8] Depression – World Health Organization Learn more: anhedonia meaning/anhedonia definition

[9] Cano M, Lee E, Worthley A, Ellard K, Barbour T, Soriano-Mas C, Camprodon JA. Electroconvulsive therapy effects on anhedonia and reward circuitry anatomy: A dimensional structural neuroimaging approach. J Affect Disord. 2022 Sep 15;313:243-250. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.06.062. Epub 2022 Jun 25. PMID: 35764228. Learn more: anhedonia meaning/anhedonia definition

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