anhedonia
Pronunciation: an-he-DO-nee-ah
Inability to experience pleasure in activities that were previously enjoyable, a core symptom of major depression.
Full Definition
Anhedonia refers to the marked diminished interest or pleasure in all or almost all activities that were previously found enjoyable. This symptom represents one of the two core criteria for major depressive disorder and can manifest as either a lack of motivation to engage in pleasurable activities (motivational anhedonia) or reduced enjoyment when engaging in such activities (consummatory anhedonia). Anhedonia extends beyond simple sadness to encompass a fundamental inability to experience positive emotions or anticipate pleasure. It commonly affects social relationships, hobbies, work satisfaction, and even basic pleasures like eating or physical intimacy. The symptom can persist even as other depressive symptoms improve and often requires targeted therapeutic interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from apathy (lack of motivation) and avolition (lack of initiation) - anhedonia specifically refers to pleasure capacity.
In Context
- "The patient described profound anhedonia, reporting no enjoyment in activities that previously brought great pleasure, including time with grandchildren." — depression assessment
- "Anhedonia remained the most persistent symptom despite improvement in sleep and appetite following antidepressant initiation." — medication management note