Psychology
Bipolar disorder: highs, lows and staying well
Bipolar disorder causes episodes of depression and of mania or hypomania. With the right medicine, a steady routine and a relapse plan, most people live full lives.
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Anhedonia
Pronounced an-hee-DOH-nee-uh
Also known as Loss of interest, Loss of pleasure, Emotional numbness
Loss of interest in, or pleasure from, things a person used to enjoy — food, company, hobbies, intimacy. It is one of the two core symptoms of depression.
In Psychology
Anhedonia is the loss of interest in, or pleasure from, things that used to bring it. Food tastes flat, a cousin's wedding feels like a chore, a cricket match means nothing, and time with children can feel empty. Some people find even prayer feels hollow, and feel guilty on top.
Together with persistently low mood, it is one of the two core symptoms of : one or the other must be present most days for at least two weeks, alongside other symptoms, for the diagnosis. It explains why some people with depression say they do not feel sad — just empty.
Researchers separate anticipatory anhedonia (not looking forward to things) from consummatory anhedonia (not enjoying them in the moment). It is also one of the so-called negative symptoms of .
It usually lifts as depression is treated. — doing small, valued activities before the enjoyment returns — targets it directly.
Where this comes up
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Psychology
Self-esteem: what it is and how to build it
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Related terms
- DepressionClinical depression, Major depressive disorderA medical condition in which low mood or loss of interest lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and affects sleep, energy and daily life.
- Behavioural activationBA, Behavioral activationA structured therapy for depression that gets you back into rewarding and meaningful activities in small, planned steps, rather than waiting until you feel like it.
- DopamineDopamine hit, Dopamine detoxA chemical messenger involved in motivation, reward, learning, movement and attention. It is better thought of as a "seeking and learning" chemical than a "pleasure chemical".
- SchizophreniaA long-term mental illness that affects how a person thinks, perceives and feels, with periods of psychosis such as hearing voices or holding false beliefs. It is not a split personality.