In psychology, anhedonia (< an- + Greek hēdonē pleasure ηδονη) is an inability to experience pleasure from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, and social/sexual interactions.
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 (DSM) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). Other than anhedonia, the DSM considers only depressed mood to be a key symptom. The ICD lists both depressed mood and fatigue or loss of energy as the other key symptoms. Anhedonia is also seen in schizophrenic disorders and other mental disorders.
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Contents
- 1 Causes
- 2 Sexual anhedonia
- 3 In pop culture
- 4 See also
- 5 References
- 6 External links
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Causes
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. Very long-term addicts are sometimes said to suffer a permanent physical breakdown of their pleasure pathways, leading to anhedonia on a permanent or semi-permanent basis due to the extended overworking of the neural pleasure pathways during active addiction (particularly as regards cocaine and methamphetamine). In this circumstance, activities still may be pleasurable, but can never be as pleasurable as they are for people not addicted to those drugs with the same intensity for the same amount of time.citation needed]
Researchers theorize that anhedonia may result from the breakdown in the brain's reward system, involving dopamine pathways. Two 2005 studies by Paul Keedwell MD of King's College found that certain sections of the brain in depressed subjects had to work harder to process happy thoughts.[1][2]
Sexual anhedonia
Sexual anhedonia is known as 'ejaculatory anhedonia'. This rare condition means that the person will ejaculate with no accompanying sense of pleasure. This condition is most frequently found in males, but women can suffer from lack of pleasure when the body goes through the orgasm process as well.
Sexual anhedonia may be caused by:
- Hyperprolactinaemia
- Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), also called inhibited sexual desire
- Low levels of the hormone testosterone
- Spinal cord injury
- Use of SSRI antidepressants
A urological examination and blood tests can determine the cause of a specific case of sexual anhedonia. If no physiological problems are found, one should seek treatment via psychotherapy with a certified sex therapist, or psychotherapist.
Patients may be prescribed sustained-release bupropion to aid in treatment, because bupropion has been shown to increase sexual desire and intensity of orgasm. citation needed]
In pop culture
Woody Allen's film Annie Hall was originally titled Anhedonia, but the studio felt this title to be unmarketable.
The debut album by American Rock band, The Graduate is Anhedonia.
Gary Lambert broods over the word repeatedly in Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections.
