What is Anhedonia?

This video describes the term “anhedonia.” Anhedonia is from the Greek and means “without pleasure.” It is characterized by a loss of interest in activities. Physical anhedonia is characterized by diminished pleasure in food, sex, hobbies, work-related activities, etc. Social anhedonia is characterized by diminished pleasure in social activities. Anticipatory anhedonia is when the pleasure of anticipation is diminished. Consummatory anhedonia is a reduction in enjoyment during the actual time of consumption. Anhedonia is a key component of several mental disorders including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Substance Use Disorder, and PTSD.

[@sweetgirly888]

Im experiencing this, finally found a word for it.

[@Steven-s03]

It is being a zombie. Being a walking dead. It is blandness, boring, tasteless life because you can't find happiness in anything, even things that used to bring you happiness. It is wanting physical pain so you know you're still alive or not dreaming. It is despair. It is feeling like everything is pointless. It is a living hell because it is nothing at all except existing. Sleep is the only escape, the only time I'm truly happy because nothing exists at all. Acting for social acceptance is truly a practiced skill. Existing is numbness, existing is suffering.

[@NickRyanBayon]

I've had this for as long as I can remember, even with meds, healthy diet, working out 6x a week. I still don't get better, I cannot talk to people, I cannot find the motivation to work and it has severely affected that and my relationships. I have spent months in bed, I cannot even taste foods sometimes. It has gotten so bad I had to be put on a stimulant to even help me somewhat be able to function.

[@paulhedges8764]

If you can't find the motivation to work etc, how do you find the motivation to workout 6x a week?

[@kathrinjohnson2582]

Flux Has any Dr. ever mentioned TMS therapy or EC therapy? I know it's really had to get depending on were you live and what insurance. But I was just wondering how that would help ppl suffering from this .

[@JoeDirt-el2fr]

This is probably more common than most people think. This almost seems like a person has become shell shocked due to trauma.

[@danashannon8234]

Yes. Exactly what happened to me.

[@satoreslured]

Exactly

[@MessengerRising]

Shell shock is the original form of PTSD caused by extreme trauma experienced in war.

[@violetlove1893]

I've heard that word before. I battle major depressive disorder and don't date anymore because i often don't get pleasure or joy from being with the person i date. And they dont understand that it has nothing to do with them and begin to accuse me of not loving them, cheating, etc. I've also been called lazy because i don't want to go anywhere or do anything. So, i hope this gets media coverage & ppl get educated because i am done trying to explain.

[@Annausagi2]

This is definitely what I've been going through for a long while now. I feel like I'm doing things (drawing, customizing dolls etc) to distract myself, not for pleasure. I upload a page of my webcomic, I feel nothing. "Perhaps I'd feel happier if someone acknowledged my work?" Someone comments how they've been following my comic for many years and how it's one of their favorites... I feel nothing. It's as if, no matter what happened, I still wouldn't feel any sort of happiness. I'm either just extremely depressed or "just" sad. Never anything above "this is tolerable". What's worse is, I haven't been going through any trauma to get like this. I *know* it's all just in my head. But my mind wins over logic every time.

[@WeaponryFitness22]

I've searched and searched for years trying to figure out what was wrong with me and now I know. It really does suck, and to make it worse, I'm an introvert. So I've practically been single all my life, no friends, no companion, no kids, not even a pet. But I'm greatly skilled and talented in so many things. I'm just alone.

[@tsbcmhc2083]

Anhedonia being a key component in MDD, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Substance Use Disorder, and PTSD doesn't surprise me. When it comes to Substance Use, I feel that the Anhedonia would come first and the person would look to use a substance to find pleasure. This motivated me to further research the topic. Thanks!

[@kingmorons1780]

he forgot psychopathy

[@christinehaigh9807]

TSBCMHC2O Hello What is MDD?

[@67nairb]

I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder.

[@MarxistKnight]

I had a few episodes of depression when I was in my early 20s, which were characterised by chronic sadness, but I wasn’t generally bored and when things went well or started dating someone new, I’d feel good, fuzzy and have that feeling of butterflies. I’m now in my early 30s and this current (longest and worst) episode though, is far more characterised by the anhedonia and apathy. I actually don’t feel as sad (or suicidal) as previous times, but I just feel incessantly bored and empty. Not walking to the ledge but not bothered to do anything else either. And I can honestly say this is worse than when I at least had some highs to make the many lows worth it. This is just pointless.

[@sweetgirly888]

MarxistKnight ^^exxxactly same thing for me! I have not missed one person since being quarantined for covid & no desire to facetime talk to anyone, no desire to workout, read, cant get through a movie, i just dont care ...

[@bharathh3401]

I am experiencing anhedonia to such an extend that I am unable to watch even this video completely 😔

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

I had this 11 yrs ago. I was afraid it would never go away. It took a few months but eventually did. Had to do with major depression, BPD, and c-ptsd.

[@Mralex3281]

How did you get treatment or cure it if you don't mind me asking?

[@3ankush]

which medicines have you got benifit for this?

[@muzammil819]

@@Mralex3281 for me it just cured over time

[@BaiaBakhtadze]

Why can’t you just write how did you get over anhedonia when there are hundreds of people with it feeling hopeless AF

[@janicedixon2051]

I’ve never heard of this as a symptom before. Interesting topic!

[@iannorton2253]

I'm just recovering from yet another bout of depression (this time initiated by workplace related stress). Anhedonia is always one of the major symptoms associated with all of my depressive episodes; I lose interest in everything and get no sense of pleasure from either anticipating or participating in any activity that I would otherwise enjoy. After changing my medication again - now taking mirtazapine - and finding the most suitable dose, along with other therapies, I'm now lifting out of my depression and once more starting to feel enjoyment; I'm even starting to look forward to going abroad next weekend on an expensive holiday/vacation that I'd booked months ago prior to my recent episode and, until recently, didn't want to go on.

[@danashannon8234]

I did not have anhedonia until i was prescribed different antidepressants & even after stopping them. It has not improved. The meds caused this.

[@qiuwbr091]

Thank you, Dr. You have opened up my understanding of why people around me want longer and bigger binges. They really are calloused to the average amount of drugs, alcohol, sex, anti-social behaviors. I thought I was being overly judgmental. This sounds immature but people would bang kitchen spoons, hammer my fence to let me know they wanted to ‘get something going.’ I never could figure out what the ‘something’ was. I’m glad I didn’t. It’s some type of drug culture - speak.

[@edmundblackaddercoc8522]

I have both and have had for years....interesting!

[@particleconfig.8935]

@ska¡¡a ¡¡a Do you start your day with 30-minute exercise and meditation? Do you sleep well? Nutrition? All things have to be in line AND exercise is very effective (stemming from discipline), one of MANY things like meditation it oxygenates the brain which will result in different states of well-being. Practitioners want to give me the pills but they haven't been able to convince me of the evidence (exercise can't be sold, it's the best pharmacy). Be well.

[@virginiamurrey9139]

Anhedonia progression is an intriguing concept; I can see the correlation between this concept and depression. This concept and schizophrenia seems a bit more tricky to understand, I would like to read up on this relation more understand more on this subject.

[@ambergriffes6122]

Still learning about myself lol thank you Dr. Grande ❤ congratulations on how far you have come! 🎉

[@feline501]

Is this also considered Emotional Flatlining?

[@lukewalters6528]

yes emotional flatlining is another term for anhedonia

[@antoniotolentino8108]

I have no enjoyment of things I used to. Sometimes I will think I want to do something and change my mind and think it won’t matter. and the feeling lasts for long periods of time and suddenly comes backs. But my depression comes in waves I’ll feel ok out of nowhere for months and then for horrible for months.

[@cojocoolio]

I have anhedonia when it comes to career aspirations. Job searching is next to impossible for me because I feel either completely unqualified or completely uninterested in every job I find, and that's even if I type in a keyword apart from "remote job"

[@boitahaki]

I cannot think of one single thing that give me pleasure anymore, all my hobbies are boring now, all media, social interactions, its all boredom, pointless.

[@EEEBA1]

Is there a solution? Thank you

[@TheLocalDank]

This is devastating, I have BPD and always had an intensity and passion about things, always feeling things deeply and to the fullest extent I took finasteride and now I feel absolutely nothing no interest,emotions.. this has ruined my life

[@Supportdog2020]

I can’t cry I have no hope of being happy again since my wife died I live in agony

[@edaguilar1798]

I feel as though I'm acting Without emotions I can cognitively understand what I enjoy and how to behave however emotions have little input, I feel as though I'm a zombie I also have experienced reduce physical expressions and range of emotions I'm stuck in a persona I am also less empathetic. I feel a lack of inhibition I have been off risperidone for 3 months after 5 month usage.. Not sure what to make of all this If anyone can offer solace please so

[@salzwell25]

My whole existence anhedoniac😣

[@particleconfig.8935]

Build it up by exposure.

[@satoreslured]

@@particleconfig.8935 Really?

[@trill4177]

I can guarantee Anhedonia comes first in most cases when it comes to substance abuse. I can speak from person experience with a friend.

[@kathrinjohnson2582]

@Brian Jones I agree. But I think it is a problem for counselors to say something that could be taken as "validating" substance abuse . I personally think it would be better if they were state forward with ppl rather than vague and cautious.

[@jayvillate]

If you dont enjoy watching movies and series anymore?is it anhedonia?

[@wandamixon5360]

This is an interesting topic. I understand that it is an important criterion when diagnosing disorders. I had not associated anhedonia with schizophrenia though.

[@malikaelhaddad4941]

Is anhedonia permanent? Ive felt this way for 3 months i feel totally numb. Please tell me it dors get better and does ECT help treat this ?

[@alexv1019]

Im going through that right now and I think it should be a listed withdrawal symptom

[@عمرالجعفري-ص9غ]

I suffer from Anhedonia disease and did not receive most drugs and most psychotherapy I am from an Arab country. I hope you have the right medication. I do not understand what you say in the video, but I watch for the video title. Please answer my question and thank you

[@WorkAccount-i9o]

I have been bullied and yelled at so much of all kinds of different people, school/familie/work related that im cautious of my surroundings, also following the news and being realistic started to create this mental issue, i went dark and deep, being hurt so bad inside, creating distrust and seeing every bad thing in the world, i started seeing video's of warcrimes and other horrible footage ( idk why but i found it interesting in some way) which gave me a dark view on how the world works... that was the last part to create Anhedonia for me, Its hard to feel any happiness or excitement in anything at all,, i do feel love for my wife and dog, but she gets happy from the small things in life, where i tend to struggle to even feel that happiness, I tried but its hard and it doesnt feel real, i have been teaching myself to feel again and let my brain accept that it doesnt always need to be serieus in life, the last time i was truly happy was when i was 13 years old , after that it went downhill, im 28 now, and now i started to realise i need to fix this or i will grow old unhappy... and for what? this sick world we live in? the modern slavery of sleep work sleep repeat?? im starting to grow out of it, and its step by step working, i can advise anyone with the same struggle to try the same, accept how f*cked the world has become but ignore it! Ignorance is bless, and it's true , you got this brothers and sisters, dont let that empty feeling corrupt your life, it aint worth it

[@nerdforceone5129]

It seems like everyone that has depression would have this. When I am depressed or in a depressed state I find pleasure in nothing.

[@nonsuch]

My biggest problem :(

[@mariya_tortilla]

Interesting. As a child and young teen i experienced both consummatory and anticipatory anhedonia. Brains are weird

[@anamjawaid3465]

3 doctors considering me ect none of medicine is working for me for 2 year my depression is getting worst day by day I'm emotionally numbed I can't sleep I can't eat anything and I can't get out of the bed what can I do

[@grainiac7824]

I'm opposite. I dread activities and sometimes avoid them but once I make myself go I very much enjoy

[@user-kf6et6jd1b]

DOCTOR GRANDE, NOW IN LOCKDOWN AND NO DAILY PLEASURES... YOUR Rx. TAKEN DAILY IS KEY TO UNDERSTAND MENTAL HEALTH

[@Emu-lb4wc]

I’m a 28 year old woman and I’ve been suffering with intense physical anhedonia for the past two years. I can’t feel any pleasure from touch , hugging , sex or even having a hot bath . There is no feeling or an uncomfortable burning sensation in my scalp . Because of this I’ve given up on ever having sex again because it isn’t fun or enjoyable . It’s actually very depressing that my sex life is over at the age of 28

[@Emu-lb4wc]

I don’t know the cure but I’ve suffered with it for so long I’ve given up hope of ever getting better

[@Emu-lb4wc]

It’s not just sex it’s everything physical I feel numb and anhedonic . I can barely get out of bed in the morning

[@yourenough3]

Thanks Dr. G. Happy Holidays!!

[@Lipolimtown]

It is the single most complicated problem in psychiatry that has not been solved in any way these people stretch it. In my opinion it really is the ONLY reason to attend psychiatry. There’s an anticipatory and valuation aspect to it. It can lead to new mental health disorders that also ruin lives. It’s extraordinarily complex and I don’t see it being solved in the near future. So many people have lost so many years to this

[@jun10rf3]

Can you get this from medication? I never felt this way until I got on lexapro

[@veronicabetz9452]

How does Anhedoneia fit in with Seasonal affective disorder?

[@jackrainwater7966]

Great question! Hopefully he'll do a video on this and nutritional deficiencies.

[@belindaquintanilla2395]

Thank you

[@mattford9043]

I just came to the conclusion that life sucks. It's just unenjoyable after awhile. So why enjoy much things

[@johnharrisjr2808]

I experienced physical anhedonia when I was smoking crack. I would rather smoke crack than eat. I lost a considerable amount of weight

[@honestboris1868]

John Harris Jr I experienced it when I had used meth for sometime, left my brain feeling dull, I’d say it’s healed about 95% after a year and a half

[@MlkOfTheS1ren]

Mine went away last year and then came back.. i thought it was over....

[@klanderkal]

I lost my career job, I'm 62 now. I began to stress so bad, I got anxiety, and insomnia. I lost everything now. I got horrible depression. Im so insecure now, loss of purpose, identity, structure etc... I noticed I lost interest in all my hobbies and activities. I tried to do them,.. but had no interest in doing them, ans when I did do them,... I had no pleasure doing them,... and I didn't understand it. Even my affection for my family seems to be missing. The Stress has taken a muscular physic 174 lbs, to a frail 152. I have no interest in life, and never have interest I'm doing, planning anything. It's not human Anyway I can be normal again?,... even though I'll never be able to return to my workplace and job.? I'm in a very dark place now. Can anyone help me? 🙏

[@ladyflu4461]

Mine is physical and social.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

Very helpful.👌🏼

[@troll2069]

I've felt like this for 10 years or more

[@naymanasrin4094]

People who had anhedonia and are ok now, how long did it take to go away?

[@andyokus5735]

Reno Nevada is the capital of anhedonia. I never felt this until I moved here 3 years ago.

[@sephiclou362]

Does antipsychotic induced anhedonia ever go away

[@SolsticeBeautyByJessica]

I’m 100% linking this with my love of football, even fantasy football.

[@elizabethnicholson-y6g]

What about anhedonia and anger ?

[@honestboris1868]

I absolutely believe it goes Drug use first, then Anhedonia. Personally experienced it myself through mild meth use

[@D3M0NSNYP3R]

Mine was the opposite. I use drugs, dangerous activities, and rushes of adrenaline in order to feel things. I felt absolutely nothing until I learned that adrenaline and drugs can provide very very temporary relief.

[@bluelover929]

mine was the opposite, I feel anhedonic, therefore try anything to 'feel' anything at all. I didnt use drugs but instead experiences that would cause a rush (think roller coasters) but that was short lived and nothing works when you have anticipatory anhedonia. I do have adhd and take a controlled amount of amphetamines but that doesnt cause a pleasure feeling, it just normalizes my focus and wakefulness (even then those are low compared to most people) The anhedonia was present on and off before my adhd diagnosis though.

[@D3M0NSNYP3R]

@@bluelover929 100% agree.

[@bhaskardora8130]

Anhedonia is treatable or not ?

[@irfanfirmansyah7800]

solution?

[@insanepain101]

It's a living hell

[@LIITEMIES]

had Anhedonia in childhood due to psychiatrich drugs and school. i would newer try to put scizofrenia and Anhedonia in to a same diagnosis it comes a cross as poorly tought probaganda.

[@danashannon8234]

Treatment!?

[@elsewherehouse]

Can someone be born with anhedonia?

[@hello7646]

I think yes with hormonal problems maybe or a kind of schizoid for social one

[@toddbedusek6263]

Porn brain causes this

[@harpreetsinghgrewal7563]

@@toddbedusek6263 Really ? 😲

[@1ofnoother]

Are we able to email you or contact you? Can people with Anhedonia show deep affection and excitement about you and then suddenly pull away only to show affection again and pull away again?

[@squidward66]

I have it and I don’t care, I’m fine with it.

[@buceybee]

What if you’ve literally never been able to feel pleasure from birth. Kill me

[@NickRyanBayon]

Omg I thought I was the only one who felt this for as long as I can remember.

[@missanella]

OMG I've been feeling like this for years and ANHEDONIA describes it to 💯 😱😢😭 The only thing that gives me happiness/pleasure is my dogs and helping/feeding birds and animals. I can not make myself do anything and I just pretend when around/interacting with people 😞😞😞😞

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Same. Self isolated for years now. Find pleasure in nothing. I just play on my phone and chain smoke. I got enough money to go buy a new Harley if I wanted yet I wouldn’t even ride it if I did. There’s just nothing I can go buy to make myself happy so I don’t. People think it’s insane. They think having money would solve everything and it doesn’t. Also I’m 40 and stand 6’3 and weight a healthy 210lbs. I’m a decent looking guy that could easily find a chick to enjoy time with….but I don’t. Won’t even consider it. Haven’t even went on a date in the 4 years I been single. Zero. Why am I telling you this ?? Hell if I know. I guess maybe I felt you would understand. But I’ve come to realize if I don’t change I’m going to die…and soon. And the problem with that is I don’t seem to really care most of the time. Then sometimes I think about it late at night and then have a panic attack about it and tell myself I better change. But next morning I wake up and go right back to self isolating and chain smoking all day. I don’t work bec I don’t have to. I’m debt free and got plenty of money: I’m just a mess

[@ivanhanifan5896]

im INTP and had anhedonia

[@Emu-lb4wc]

I can’t live anymore with the anhedonia it’s too painful and uncomfortable. I am in constant discomfort , my scalp is aching and prickly and sore . I don’t see the point in giving up alcohol, or doing anything . I also hear voices shouting abuse at me . I can’t live like this

[@Emu-lb4wc]

I am being bullied by the voices calling me disgusting names and worthless . I can’t live with the anhedonia either . I will drink until I die or pass out . That’s my choice I’m tired of being in discomfort

[@muthamizhselvanpurushotham2237]

Pls put a video on sexual anedonia or pleasureless erection n ejaculation and it's management

[@timmyleary9232]

yeah I'm depressed. physical anhedonia

[@derekpavlic]

I don’t enjoy my anhedonia as much as I used to

[@mr.e1220]

So basically....no one knows shit.

[@trill4177]

💀💀💀

[@motwhom3230]

the best way to describe it, is explaining you are they way you are because you're just "lazy i guess".

[@jayclark2111]

It really sucks

[@horustrismegistus1017]

4:50ish Chickens cause eggs AND eggs cause chickens. Anhedonia definitely works both ways in terms of cause/effect. It is not dichotomous

[@rlh48284]

I started watching your video but I just don't care.

[@vickilynn9514]

What about just hating your life? Not everything is a mental disorder!!

[@andrewstupak6668]

Very different. It's the lack of ability to feel anything.

[@Derrako]

I don't really enjoy much now, apart from farting ; that's very satisfying and gives me purpose.

[@larryphelps6607]

seventeen years and counting.

[@desobrien5297]

Copper toxicity/ pyrole disorder?

[@missdizzysosquizzy]

ADHD as well

[@deusignis7582]

im at my breaking point. im going to end it soon

[@user-kf6et6jd1b]

IS THERE ANYONE YOU CAN SPEAK TO?

[@dammitamber]

Oh shit I hope it’s depression and not schizophrenia! 👀 what an odd thing to say

[@marleneflourentzou680]

Funny enough, the Greeks have an inborn love for life, good food, good music, socialising, socialising, socialising some more and family, so I don't think they should experience inhedonia very often

[@gwennnnnnnnnnnn]

ive had this my entire life dont know why basically an npc

[@bluedogfish2]

A narcissist with stale supply and no good backup … the aging narcissist