Anhedonia Meaning, Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatment Options

What is Anhedonia in Simple Terms?

Anhedonia is a disorder distinguished by a lack of pleasure or ability to experience joy in activities that were once regarded as enjoyable and rewarding. It is typically found in depression-diagnosed cases but can also be found in combination with other mental disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Anhedonia’s Meaning In-depth

What is Anhedonia’s meaning in-depth? Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure or joy. It is a symptom of many physical and mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder. Additionally, anhedonia can be experienced due to grief, traumatic events, or other psychological stresses. [1]

Anhedonia is the lack of pleasure or enjoyment from activities that typically bring someone joy. It is a pervasive symptom of depression and can make it hard for someone to experience joy or happiness, no matter how much they enjoy the activity. Anhedonia can also be experienced as a lack of motivation, not feeling connected to relationships, or an inability to feel joy or pleasure.

Anhedonia’s Link to Mental Health Disorders

Anhedonia is closely linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It is common among individuals struggling with a mental health disorder and can be a symptom of depression. Anhedonia can also be seen in those recovering from traumatic experiences or going through emotional times.

Anhedonia Definition

Anhedonia can take many forms, including losing interest in activities that once gave pleasure, feeling completely flat and disconnected from things, losing motivation and enthusiasm, feeling numb and unable to experience joy, and feeling detached from other people. People with anhedonia may experience difficulties in emotional processing, increased negative thinking, and the inability to feel hope or optimism. Anhedonia is often accompanied by depression, fatigue, and insomnia.

What does Anhedonia mean? Anhedonia’s meaning refers to the reduced ability to have pleasure. It has been one of the standard features of several types of psychiatric disorders and maladaptive behaviors. This condition has been the most extensively examined in major depression. Still, as it constitutes one important negative symptom of schizophrenia, much research has also been devoted to this condition in psychosis. This condition has been reviewed in many neuropsychiatric disorders, including substance use disorder, Parkinson’s disease, overeating, and various risky behaviors. [2]

Anhedonia can also have physical manifestations such as loss of appetite, body aches, and general physical discomfort. People with anhedonia may also experience an overall loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, and an inability to enjoy once-pleasurable things. In some cases, people with anhedonia may feel isolated from friends and family or unable to engage in meaningful conversations or activities with them.

When looking for the answers to how to help this condition, we sometimes ignore that we might have other mental health problems that need immediate treatment. Over time, it can damage relationships and affect your daily functioning. It can also lead to substance use in search of feeling “pleasure” once again.

2 Types Of Anhedonia

Generally speaking, there are two types of anhedonia. Social anhedonia and physical anhedonia. Social anhedonia involves the inability to enjoy activities and interactions with other people.

On the other hand, physical anhedonia involves the loss of pleasure or enjoyment in activities or experiences that do not include other people or relationships.

The two main types of this condition are illustrated below with examples:

• Social Anhedonia – You don’t want to spend time with other people.
• Physical Anhedonia – You don’t enjoy physical sensations. For instance, an embrace does not stimulate you; you feel empty with it.  Your favorite dishes have a bland flavor. Even sex can become dull with sexual anhedonia.

Social anhedonia can manifest as difficulty forming attachments to others, avoiding or being anxious in social situations, a strong preference for being alone, and difficulty expressing emotions. Additionally, people experiencing social anhedonia may find it challenging to appreciate jokes or to be entertained by activities that involve other people. In terms of physical anhedonia involves difficulty in experiencing pleasure or enjoyment from activities such as eating, exercise, hobbies, or sexual activity.

Symptoms Of Anhedonia

People with symptoms of physical anhedonia may find that activity that once brought pleasure no longer generates positive feelings or emotions. They may struggle to feel motivated to engage in activities they once enjoyed and can often feel overwhelmed when thinking about engaging in them. They may also have difficulty understanding or appreciating things that might otherwise be enjoyable for other people. This can considerably impact the person’s well-being and ability to form relationships with others.

Anhedonia symptoms include the following:

• Social withdrawal
• “Avolition Anhedonia” or a diminished pleasure emanating from daily activities
• A lack of relationships or a withdrawal from previous relationships
• Less of an interest in previous hobbies
• “Orgasmic Anhedonia” or a loss of libido or a lack of interest in physical intimacy

Anhedonia Signs

Anhedonia can typically be identified by decreased ability to experience pleasure, initiate activities, withdrawal from social activities, and feelings of emptiness or hopelessness. Other signs of anhedonia may include difficulty finding joy in activities that used to bring pleasure, difficulty feeling motivation, and changes in appetite.

Symptoms of social anhedonia may include:

• Very few or no relationships at all
• Complete withdrawal from existing social relationships
• A diminished capability to express emotions
• Fake emotions in social situations (e.g., pretending to be happy at a celebration)
• Preference for being alone

Symptoms of physical anhedonia may include:

• A complete loss of libido (ejaculatory anhedonia) or interest in sexual interactions
• Frequent illness or other physical health issues

Anhedonia Depression

Physical anhedonia is closely related to depression. Individuals with severe anhedonia may experience difficulty in social situations, feelings of worthlessness, and a depressed mood lasting for several weeks. In these cases, it is imperative to seek professional help to seek help in dealing with the condition. Without the support of a professional, anhedonia may become more challenging to treat moving forward.

Physical anhedonia can be especially difficult to manage when the individual experiences other forms of mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. In these cases, the individual must seek help from a mental health professional to effectively manage the condition. Anhedonia treatment options may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and/or medications. Regardless of the person’s treatment choice, the individual must seek professional help to ensure proper condition management.

Anhedonia Treatments

Treatments for anhedonia typically include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is commonly used to help individuals recognize and modify the negative thoughts and behaviors associated with anhedonia. Medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers may also be recommended. Finally, engaging in enjoyable activities, practicing relaxation techniques, and increasing physical activity can help manage anhedonia.

How to cope with anhedonia? Even though this condition may indicate a severe mental health disorder, it’s crucial to avoid self-diagnosis.

Recognizing that anhedonia is a common issue and can be treated with professional help is essential. Self-help strategies, such as talking to a friend or maintaining an active lifestyle, can also be necessary for managing anhedonia. Additionally, since anhedonia can be a symptom of an underlying mental health issue, it’s vital to seek professional help if symptoms persist.

What is the Meaning of Anhedonia?

It is a severe condition that describes a near-complete absence of enjoyment, motivation, and interest. A core feature of depression, clinical manifestations of this condition can include deficits in experiencing pleasure, approach-related motivated behavior, and learning to match expectations to the environment. [1]

Anhedonia Definition – In-depth

Anhedonia can manifest in many forms, from difficulty finding enjoyment in activities such as sports or hobbies to a lack of emotional connection in social situations to an inability to find pleasure or satisfaction in activities or conversations. While it is a common symptom of depression, which can be treated with the proper care, even people without depression can experience anhedonia.

Learn More:

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• Mental Health Treatment
• Endogenous Depression
• What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? CBT Techniques, Uses & Mental Health Treatment
• Who Is Inpatient Mental Health Treatment For?  How Long Does Mental Health Treatment Last? Inpatient Mental Health Treatment Options

• 3 Benefits of Inpatient Treatment Centers and Types of Therapy For Inpatient Treatment
• Detox Treatment Process, Detox Withdrawal & Side Effects, Detox Treatment Programs
• The Link Between Melatonin and Depression, What Are The Harmful Risks?
• Residual Schizophrenia Side Effects, Signs, & Treatment Options
• Schizophrenia Drawings

70%

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

Source: NIMH

1 In 5

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

Source: CDC

Anhedonia Test

This Anhedonia test is designed to provide you with a preliminary assessment of your experience with anhedonia. It consists of a series of questions that explore various aspects of your daily life and interests. Please note that the results of this test are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a medical opinion or diagnosis. If you suspect you may be experiencing Anhedonia or any other mental health concerns, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Remember, your mental well-being matters, and seeking professional support can help you find the necessary guidance and treatment options.

*By taking this free quiz, you may obtain your results online and in your email box. You’ll have the opportunity to opt-in to learn more about your symptoms, talk to a mental health consultant and join our newsletter. Rest assured your information is private and confidential. Results, consultations and assessment are provided without any cost to you and without any obligation. If you do not wish to provide your contact information, you may omit it during your quiz. Thank you for opting in and participating. To you best of health.

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1. Name:

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3. How often do you feel numb or “gray” like things don’t affect you on a personal level?

 Every day

 Many days

 A few days

4. How often do you feel little or no drive to do things you once enjoyed?

 Every day

 Many days

 A few days

5. How often do you feel like the things you used to enjoy no longer bring you pleasure?

 Always

 Sometimes

 Never

6. How often do you fake emotions that you don’t feel in front of other people (e.g. smiling, laughing, joy, empathy).

 Always

 Sometimes

 Never

7. How often do you feel like you don’t enjoy social interaction as much as you used to?

 Always

 Sometimes

 Never

8. Do you feel more socially withdrawn?

 Every day

 Some days

 A few days

9. Have you noticed a decrease in your sex drive? Either the desire to have sex, pleasure from sex, or both?

 A large decrease

 A small decrease

 No decrease

10. Have you experienced new physical symptoms like aches, pains, headaches, joint pain, or have been sick more often than usual.

 Every day

 Some days

 A few days

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Causes Of Anhedonia

What causes anhedonia? Unfortunately, what causes this condition explicitly is unknown. According to studies, this condition causes could be intimately related to some mental functions. Researchers discovered that “depression anhedonia” frequently involves the area of the brain that manages motivation, anticipation, decision-making, and rewards. [3]

They postulated that individuals living with this condition might be incapable of motivating themselves and anticipating positive outcomes. They also struggle to estimate the work necessary for a particular reward appropriately. This condition is connected to several mental health conditions. It is regarded as one of the main characteristics of depression. Moreover, physical and social anhedonia are frequently reported by those with schizophrenia.

This condition has been linked to bipolar disorder depression, according to research. Doctors use the degree of anhedonia to measure the severity of a patient’s bipolar condition. Furthermore, symptoms like anhedonia may happen when using recreational drugs or going through withdrawal. Additionally, studies have shown that those with this condition may be more inclined to begin using recreational substances. They might also be more prone to develop addictions. [4]

Risk Factors For Anhedonia

Anhedonia risk factors include a family history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Females are at a heightened risk of suffering from this condition. Other risk factors include:

• Eating disorders
• A history of abuse or neglect
• Recent trauma and heightened stress
• Major illnesses

If you have been diagnosed with depression or schizophrenia, there is an increased risk of developing this condition. Living with PTSD from a traumatic event or events may put you at risk of this condition. [5]

Anhedonia vs Avolition

• “Affective flattening alogia avolition and anhedonia are all negative symptoms of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.” The main difference between avolition and anhedonia is that avolition is a total lack of motivation, making it hard to get anything done. In comparison, this condition refers to losing the ability to feel pleasure.

Apathy vs Anhedonia

• To differentiate the difference between anhedonia vs apathy. First, this condition is distinct from apathy. While apathy refers to a lack of motivation or energy investment on many levels, this condition is the lack of a specific feeling: pleasure. It can, however, be a sign of apathy.

Anhedonia ADHD

• ADHD can cause intense sadness, loneliness, and a lack of interest in life activities. People with ADHD and anhedonia may be more likely than others to develop depression and anxiety. One reason it is crucial to seek ADHD and anhedonia treatments is that therapy may help reduce the risk of complications, such as depression.

Anhedonia Depression

• Depression is also a severe mental illness.It causes persistent sadness and hopelessness, along with the inability to find pleasure in anything. During episodes of depression, you may also have changes in sleep and how you eat, feel anxious or restless, and have difficulty concentrating. Depression can make you feel worthless and guilty and drain your energy.

Anhedonia Bipolar

• This condition is a hallmark of depression and is highly prevalent among individuals with bipolar mood disorders. [6]

Anhedonia BPD

• BPD is a disruptive, complex condition that often occurs along with other mental health disorders and anhedonia. Many people with BPD also have depression. The co-occurrence complicates each condition and can make symptoms worse.

Anhedonia PTSD

• This condition is a common symptom following exposure to traumatic stress and a feature of the PTSD diagnosis. In depression research, this condition has been linked to deficits in reward functioning, reflected in behavioral and neural responses. [7]

Anhedonia Schizophrenia

• This is a condition that wipes your ability to enjoy or have pleasure. This mental health condition is often associated with schizophrenia, which can negatively impact a person’s quality of life.
  • This condition can manifest in various ways, from physical to social apathy. This condition can look like behavior you may not immediately associate with this condition.
  • Schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterized by hallucinations, disordered thinking, delusions, and reduced social participation. Schizophrenia is a complex and typically lifelong condition, which is considered one of its negative symptoms.

Sometimes, TCAs might be a treatment method for people with MDD. Examples of TCAs include:

• Trimipramine (Surmontil)
• Imipramine (Tofranil)
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

The side effects of TCAs can sometimes be more severe than those from other antidepressants. TCAs may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Carefully read the information provided by the pharmacy and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. The medication usually needs to be taken for a minimum of four to six weeks before symptoms begin to improve. Sometimes, it can take up to 12 weeks to improve symptoms.

If a medication doesn’t work, talk to your provider about switching to another drug. According to the National Institute of Mental Health [10] (NAMI), people who didn’t get better after taking their first antidepressant medication had a much better chance of improving when they tried another drug or a combination of treatments.

Even when symptoms begin to improve, you should continue taking your medication. It would be best to stop taking medication under the provider’s supervision who prescribed it. You may have to stop the drug gradually instead of all at once. Suddenly stopping an antidepressant can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of MDD can also return if your exogenous and endogenous depression treatment is ended too soon.