Anhedonia is the loss of satisfaction and interest in carrying out activities that were previously considered enjoyable, such as going out with friends, going to the cinema or walking on the beach, for example.
This type of change is very common in people who have a decrease in the production of dopamine, an important hormone related to the sensation of pleasure. Furthermore, the presence of psychological disorders, such as depression or schizophrenia, as well as the consumption of some substances can also be the cause of anhedonia.
It is important that the cause is identified so that treatment can be more targeted, and psychotherapy sessions may be recommended or the use of antidepressant medications prescribed by a psychiatrist may be recommended.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms that may indicate anhedonia include:
- Loss of interest in activities previously carried out;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Sleep changes, which may include insomnia or excessive sleep;
- Decrease or loss of libido.
People with anhedonia also generally experience large variations in weight, and may gain or lose weight without this being a goal.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
What causes anhedonia
One of the main causes of anhedonia is major depressive disorder, however, other illnesses such as schizophrenia, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease, anorexia nervosa or even drug and medication abuse, especially antidepressants and antipsychotics, can also cause anhedonia.
Some risk factors can also lead to the development of anhedonia, such as the occurrence of traumatic or stressful events, a history of abuse or neglect, illnesses that have a major impact on the person’s quality of life, an eating disorder, or a family history of major depression or schizophrenia.
How the treatment is carried out
Anhedonia has a cure, but it can be very difficult to treat. It usually consists of treating the illness that is causing it, such as depression or another psychiatric illness.
The first option is psychotherapy with a therapist, who assesses the person’s psychological state and, if necessary, refers them to a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medications such as antidepressants or medications aimed at the psychiatric problem the person has.
Medical monitoring must be carried out regularly, in order to identify possible side effects caused by the medications and to adjust the dose, to obtain better results.
As anhedonia is, in most cases, one of the symptoms of depression, it is important that this condition is identified and treated. See the following video for some ways to identify and help others who have depression:
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