Anhedonia

What is anhedonia?

Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure. A person who used to enjoy activities will find these are no longer enjoyable.

What does anhedonia feel like?

Anhedonia prevents feelings of happiness. Instead of happiness, the person feels nothing. Activities that used to excite, energize, calm or relax now offer no positive reward. Life seems boring, unenjoyable, and empty.

How can I recognize this symptom?

The person does not express interest in activities that they normally enjoy. The individual may not go on their daily walks, as they always enjoyed doing. Possibly, they may not answer the telephone. The individual may not go out with their friends for coffee, dinner, or pursue leisure activities. They may tell you they feel bored.

How does this bipolar disorder symptom impact life?

Exercise, socialization, or leisure activities usually provide pleasure and enjoyment. When the positive emotional rewards are absent, a person may have less motivation to pursue these activities.

The person becomes increasingly sedentary and isolative. A decrease in exercise, socialization, and leisure activities may worsen the symptoms of bipolar disorder.