What is anhedonia?
Ask the doctor
Q. What is anhedonia?
A. Anhedonia refers to the reduced ability to take pleasure in usually pleasurable activities. It can often feel like nothing is fun — little or no enjoyment when eating, playing, socializing, or having sex. A person may also lose the usual satisfaction at work.
Anhedonia is a common symptom of depression. In fact, many people with depression don't report low mood. Instead they describe anhedonia, or flatness in their day-to-day lives.
Anhedonia can be a symptom of other major mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. And it can be present in substance use disorder. For example, people withdrawing from cocaine may feel it as the opposite of a cocaine high. This can heighten their craving and perpetuate the addiction.
Many neuroscientists believe anhedonia represents a problem in the brain's reward system.
For those who think they are experiencing anhedonia, a mental health professional can help them figure out what the underlying problem is. When anhedonia is related to depression, treatment with therapy or medication (and often both) can help.
For those struggling with substance use disorder, which understandably is a very difficult roller coaster to get off. With treatment, life can become more pleasurable.
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About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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