Anhedonia
Anhedonia is a reduced ability to enjoy or look forward to activities that used to feel rewarding — a core symptom often seen in depression.
Definition
Anhedonia describes diminished interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect hobbies, social contact, food, or sex, and may feel like emotional “flatness.” It is a key feature of major depression and can appear in other conditions. Screens such as the PHQ-9 ask about little interest or pleasure; a high score suggests further evaluation, not a diagnosis on its own.
What it can feel like
- Not enjoying hobbies that used to matter.
- Feeling indifferent about seeing friends.
- Food, music, or sex feeling “blunted.”
- Struggling to look forward to plans.
Related screening tests on LuriaLab
- Patient Health Questionnaire - Depression (PHQ-9)
- Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)
- Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21)
Related articles
- PHQ-9 Depression Test: Free Online Screening & Score Meaning
- DASS-21 Test Online: Free Depression, Anxiety & Stress Screening
- Bipolar Disorder: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment
- Burnout Test Online: Free Screening for Work Stress & Exhaustion
- Employee Burnout Checks: Why Companies Use the OLBI Test
Related glossary terms
Frequently asked questions
Is anhedonia only depression?
It is strongly linked with depression but can appear in other contexts, including burnout, some medical conditions, and medication effects. Clinical assessment clarifies the cause.
How is anhedonia different from boredom?
Boredom is often situational. Anhedonia is a broader loss of pleasure or interest that persists across activities.
Which screen mentions anhedonia?
The PHQ-9’s first item asks about little interest or pleasure in doing things — a common anhedonia prompt.
Sources
- Kroenke K, et al. PHQ-9 depression screening
- Clinical reviews of anhedonia in mood disorders