Anhedonia

Learn more about Anhedonia and other medical symptoms..

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In psychology, anhedonia (< an- + Greek hēdonē pleasure) is a patient's inability to experience pleasure from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, and social/sexual interactions. Anhedonia is the inverse of hedonism.

Anhedonia is recognized as one of the key symptoms of the mood disorder depression according to both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

In addition to Anhedonia, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders considers only Depressed Mood to be a key symptom. In contrast, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems lists both depressed mood and fatigue or loss of energy as key symptoms.

Anhedonia is also seen in schizophrenic disorders and other mental disorders.

Anhedonia is often experienced by drug addicts following withdrawal; in particular, stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines cause anhedonia and depression by depleting dopamine and other important neurotransmitters.

Sexual anhedonia is known as 'ejaculatory anhedonia'. This rare condition means that the person will ejaculate with no accompanying sense of pleasure.

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