Scientifically, "anhedonia" is a symptom of major depression

Depression and unhappiness

Scientifically, "anhedonia" is a symptom of major depression

Anyone can lose interest or passion in an activity they once enjoyed, but if it reaches the point of "anhedonia," or a decreased interest in activities they normally enjoy, then self-reflection is necessary.

Surprisingly, this condition is considered a primary symptom of major depressive disorder, or it may also be a symptom of other mental health disorders, according to a report published by Healthline.

"Anhedonia"

The word "anhedonia" translates to "lack of pleasure" in Greek, and this translation helps clarify what anhedonia is. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a primary symptom of depression and other mental health disorders.

Causes of Anhedonia

The exact causes of anhedonia are not well understood. It may be due to low levels of certain neurotransmitters or elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Abnormal levels of these neurotransmitters can affect what the brain finds pleasurable, which explains why anhedonia is often a symptom of inflammatory diseases or conditions associated with increased inflammatory markers, such as depression.

Symptoms of Anhedonia

Although each experience with anhedonia is different, it is often noticeable that things that once brought pleasure no longer do. A person may notice that hobbies that used to occupy them for hours no longer do, or that they have not been involved in them recently.

Other possible symptoms of anhedonia include:

• Social withdrawal

• Decreased pleasure derived from daily activities

• Lack of or withdrawal from relationships

• Decreased interest in hobbies

• Decreased sexual desire or lack of interest in physical intimacy.

However, experts stress the importance of distinguishing anhedonia from social anxiety, which is characterized by withdrawal from social situations due to fear of repercussions.

If a person experiences anhedonia, they may avoid social situations because there seems to be no reward or purpose in participating, or they may expect no pleasure from them. However, if symptoms of anhedonia are accompanied by suicidal thoughts or self-harm, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

Risk Factors

If a patient has been diagnosed with depression or schizophrenia, they may be at greater risk of developing anhedonia.

Anhedonia has also been identified in individuals with:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Chronic pain or illness

• Parkinson's disease

• Eating disorders

In this context, experts clarify that not everyone who experiences anhedonia needs to have a medical or psychiatric diagnosis for one of the conditions mentioned above.

Diagnostic Methods

Anhedonia is not a medical condition in itself, so it cannot be self-diagnosed by the sufferer. It is a symptom of an underlying condition. Only medical professionals can diagnose anhedonia, as it can be a symptom of many mental health conditions. Keep in mind that how a doctor examines the condition to determine the underlying cause will vary.

Generally, a doctor will ask questions about the person's feelings and general mood. They may also perform a physical exam to determine if any physical problems are the root cause of the problem. Additionally, a doctor may take a blood sample to check for vitamin deficiencies (such as vitamin D) or thyroid problems, both of which can contribute to symptoms of depression.

Treatment Methods

The first step in managing anhedonia is to seek help from a medical professional. A physician is ideally the first choice to rule out a medical cause for the symptoms. If the doctor finds no medical problems, they may recommend seeing a:

• Psychologist

Treatment for anhedonia often begins with identifying tools that can help manage the mental health condition that may be causing the symptoms. Medication and psychotherapy are effective management strategies, but they are not a cure.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy and medication are often used together to help treat depression and other mental health conditions. Some options that may be appropriate for the underlying condition include:

• Talk therapy: This involves talking with a therapist about their feelings, emotions, stressors, and more. The goal is to help the person develop new ways of coping with distress. • Cognitive behavioral therapy: Often used to help treat depression, CBT involves changing negative thinking patterns and replacing them with more positive ones.

• Electroconvulsive therapy: This is one of the most effective treatments for severe depression that has not been relieved by medication or therapy. It involves applying an electric current to the head while under general anesthesia.

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses a small electrical current to stimulate nerve cells and does not require general anesthesia. TMS can help treat major depressive disorder in people with treatment-resistant depression.

Vagus nerve stimulation: During transcranial magnetic stimulation, a doctor will implant a medical device similar to a pacemaker in the patient's chest. This device generates electrical impulses that stimulate the brain. Like electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation can help treat treatment-resistant depression.