The year 2020 has been a big disappointment for all of us. We have faced a series of setbacks from personal and professional lives to poor health conditions and the inability to vent it out through social interactions, travel, and other recreational activities.
All over the world, people are desperately waiting for this year to end. However, in the middle of all these, holiday seasons are a way of positivity for all.
People have been looking forward to hosting or attending Christmas celebrations. But with the threat of COVID-19 is still around, and reports of the new strain in the UK, Christmas stands cancelled for a major part of the world this year.
This can be disappointing for many, but it seems that some people are just okay with it.
Some of these may be suffering from anhedonia.
What is Anhedonia?
“Anhedonia refers to the feeling of loss of pleasure in any activities that people used to enjoy earlier. People who experience the condition have a decreased sense of pleasure and lose interest. Anhedonia is a common symptom of clinical depression and can be a symptom of other mental health disorders as well and cannot be called a disease,” said Dr. Sonal Anand, who is a Psychiatrist in Wockhardt Hospital at Mira Road, Mumbai.
It is likely that people who have developed Anhedonia over time, do not mind that Christmas, or even New Year celebrations could be cancelled this year, due to the pandemic.
However, the condition can also exist on its own. “It is the inability to enjoy things. Nowadays, anhedonia is also caused due to information overload. If you have more opportunities, or if everything is easily available, when all your demands are easily met, there is no drive left within you to achieve something. These things can lead to Anhedonia,” said Dr. Anand.
What are the Symptoms of Anhedonia?
Dr. Anand said, “People suffering from Anhedonia may not enjoy the normal routine life. They don’t feel like going for shopping or watching a movie which they used to enjoy earlier. They also lose enthusiasm to dress up and go out.”
Anhedonia can be characterized by the following signs and symptoms –
- Social withdrawal
- lack of relationships
- negative feelings towards yourself and others
- reduced emotional abilities
- less vernal, non-verbal communication and expressions
- difficulty adjusting to situations
- persistent physical symptoms
What are the causes of Anhedonia?
According to Dr. Anand, Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression. However, not everyone who experiences depression experiences anhedonia, nor does anyone who experience anhedonia essentially suffers from depression.
Other causes of anhedonia include –
- Use of medications
- Schizophrenia
- Use of recreational drugs
Has Covid-19 Exacerbated Anhedonia?
According to Dr. Anand, mental health has been very compromised during COVID-19 disease and pandemic. With the stress of the infection, health, jobs, education, family, and all other factors, people found themselves struggling for ways to let it all out.
He advises people to seek help if they think are suffering from a mental health issue.
Treatments for Anhedonia
Treatments for Anhedonia including treating the root mental health issue that is causing the condition. It could be depression or some other disorder.
There are two treatments from mild to moderate,
- CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy)
- REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy)
Apart from these psychological interventions, there exist pharmacological interventions as well. It is suggested that you get in touch with a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of the condition, said Dr. Anand.
