Psychology Facts

▲ Anhedonia ▲

》Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure. It's a common symptom of depression as well as other mental health disorders.

》There are two main types of anhedonia:

Social anhedonia. You don't want to spend time with other people.

Physical anhedonia. You don't enjoy physical sensations. A hug leaves you feeling empty rather than nurtured. Your favorite foods taste bland. Even sex can lose its appeal.

》Scientists think anhedonia may be tied to changes in brain activity. You might have a problem with the way your brain produces or responds to dopamine, a "feel-good" mood chemical.

》Some early research (on rats) suggests that the dopamine neurons in an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex might be overactive in people with anhedonia. This somehow interferes with pathways that control how we seek out rewards and experience them.

》Common symptoms/signs to be aware of:

Despondent and with feelings of sadness and hopelessness

Inconsolable, and non-respondent when comfort is offered

Practically impossible to smile or laugh at anything; mirthless

Unexplained paranoia, dread, fear, social/emotional withdrawal, and/or irritability

Frequently sick, with the flu, colds, etc.

Increased difficulty adjusting in social situations; intently observant of others, but without engaging socially, almost as if not present in the room

Severe difficulty following a conversation; lack of interest in listening

Refusal to seek support or assistance

Negative feelings about self and others

Significantly reduced emotional abilities, including difficulty articulating thoughts and feelings

Difficulty pinpointing exactly what you feel, if anything at all

"Going through the motions," with a tendency to act out emotions, because that is "how you're supposed to feel"

Decreased sex drive, and lack of interest in physical intimacy

Suicidal ideation, fixation with death

》Anhedonia may have a role in sparking a desire to take part in risky behaviors, such as bungee jumping or skydiving.

》Anhedonia is closely linked to depression, but you don't have to be depressed or feel sad to have it. It also affects people with other mental illnesses, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. And it can show up in people with seemingly unrelated health concerns like Parkinson's disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and substance abuse issues.

》It is also able to appear with no mental or physical illnesses.

》One of the reasons that anhedonia has received increased attention is the fact that it has come to be known as a good predictor of whether someone with depression will respond to treatment. Popular anti-depressants typically don't work as well for people who have depression with anhedonia than for those with depression, without anhedonia.

》Scientists are working on new treatments for people with anhedonia who don't get better with treatments like SSRIs and talk therapy. One that shows promise is ketamine, a medication best known for being a party drug that also has an antidepressant effect.