The word origin of anhedonia dates back to the 19th century. It is generally mentioned in sources about depression. In 1896, the French psychologist Théodule Ribot coined the word "l'anhédonie", meaning the disappearance of pleasure. Anhedonia is the inability to enjoy previously enjoyed activities and stimuli. It is a concept that expresses the decrease or regression in the hedonic (hedonistic) functions of the individual. Anhedonia is the loss of interest in enjoyable activities and the absence of the former positive emotion when these activities are performed. In a way, it means the loss of sensitivity caused by pleasurable activities or the loss of the ability to evaluate the situation that can be enjoyed. As is known, one of the core symptoms of depression is the inability to enjoy previous activities. Normally, when the person is doing these activities, the pleasure center in the brain is stimulated. However, if there is no expectation while performing these actions or if the evaluation of the activity is impaired, that is, if the person is experiencing anhedonia, he may lose interest in these activities. It has been found that people with severe anhedonia also take pleasure in certain areas. Anhedonia is a common symptom of major depressive disorder and many psychiatric and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Anhedonia is divided into two groups as physical anhedonia (eating, touching, sexuality) and social anhedonia (being around others, talking, social connection). Anhedonia is also typically associated with an inability to enjoy activities found to be pleasurable, binge eating, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating. Appetite disorders are an important feature of depression, not only weight loss but also weight gain and changes in eating behaviors are the main features of depressive patients. Considering the relationship between anhedonia and problematic eating habits, it is possible that individuals with anhedonia use foods to increase their level of pleasure. When viewed neurobiologically; Anhedonia occurs as a result of disruption of the brain's reward mechanism. This is caused by the disruption of dopamine release in the brain, which is responsible for the connection between activity and pleasure.
What are the Symptoms of Anhedonia?
- Not enjoying activities
- Constantly unhappy feel
- Work ah and sleep disorders
- Nervousness
- Sexual reluctance
Disorders with Symptom of Anhedonia
- Major depressive disorder
- Substance-addiction disorders
- Parkinson
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder
- Psychotic Disorders
- Alzheimer's
Risk Factors of Anhedonia
Having the following characteristics or experiencing life events increases the risk of anhedonia.
Family Members have a history of major depression or schizophrenia
- Traumatic events
- Eating disorders
- Living with neglect
- Having a severe illness
How is Anhedonia Treated?
In the treatment of anhedonia, first of all, sleeping and eating habits are regulated, as well as medication and therapy methods are used according to the patient's condition to regulate dopamine, whose release is impaired in the body. Many therapy models can be used for the treatment of anhedonia. Anhedonia is a condition that greatly affects the quality of life. This article was written for informational purposes, if the person observes symptoms similar to the above symptoms, he or she should consult a specialist and get support.
Read: 0
