Anhedonia: What It Is & Why It Is One of the Hardest Depression Symptoms to Treat

Most people understand the basics of depression. But it’s so much more than just extreme sadness. People experience depression differently, and symptoms can fluctuate from person to person. 

One symptom of depression you might not have heard of is anhedonia. 

Simply put, anhedonia is an inability to experience joy or pleasure. Some people with depression can still find moments of pleasure, but those experiencing anhedonia have a hard time finding joy at all — even in things they typically enjoy. 

Unfortunately, anhedonia is one of the most difficult depression symptoms to treat. Let’s take a closer look at what anhedonia really is, why it’s so difficult to manage, and what you can do if you’re struggling with it. 

What Is Anhedonia?

The things you enjoy can change throughout your life. Your interests might fluctuate, and that’s normal. But, when you start to lose interest in things you genuinely love or regularly enjoy doing, it’s a red flag. 

Anhedonia is the word for that loss of interest. It can be social or physical. Social anhedonia occurs when you no longer like being around people. That includes your family members and close friends. You might struggle to spend time with them or find the motivation to go out and do things with loved ones. 

Physical anhedonia refers to anything tangible that doesn’t bring you joy. It could be a hobby you used to enjoy. It could also be something that would typically make you happy, like your favorite meal, hearing an upbeat song, or even having physical intimacy. 

Why Is Anhedonia a Symptom of Depression?

Research hasn’t quite determined exactly what causes anhedonia. However, it’s often linked to depression due to a lack of activity in the area of the brain responsible for experiencing pleasure. 

Depression can negatively impact your brain, reducing dopamine levels and changing the way you perceive things that might typically feel rewarding. One of the symptoms of those changes is a lack of joy and interest. 

How to Spot Anhedonia

Not everyone dealing with depression will experience anhedonia, but it’s one of the most common symptoms. It’s important to know what it feels like so you can take the right steps in treating the problem. 

Anhedonia can cause you to feel emotionally numb, constantly bored, or even negative about most things. Combine that with other symptoms of depression, including a lack of motivation and fatigue, and it can be very difficult to break free from the cycle of negativity. 

Essentially, the symptoms you experience during depression fuel themselves. The more depressed you feel, the less likely you are to experience joy. The less joy in your life, the worse your sadness will become. 

Is Anhedonia Impossible to Treat?

Because of this cyclical nature, anhedonia can be difficult to overcome — but not impossible. 

While there isn’t a specific treatment for anhedonia, getting help for depression can make a big difference. One of the best ways to combat this and other symptoms is to work with a mental health professional. 

Therapy can help you better understand where your depression stems from. Once you know the root cause, you can start taking steps forward. 

At home, make sure you’re practicing self-care and doing what you can to promote positivity in your life. Exercise regularly. Write in a journal. Practice gratitude each day. These things can help improve your mood and motivate you to participate in pleasurable activities.

If you’re struggling with the effects of depression, including anhedonia, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Feel free to contact me for more information about depression treatment or to set up an appointment soon. You don’t have to live with this overwhelming weight forever.