What does anhedonia refer to?

• A. Excessive worry about future events.
• B. A loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyed activities.
• C. Elevated mood and increased energy.
• D. Impaired memory for recent events.

Answer: (B)

Anhedonia is a diminished ability to experience pleasure and a loss of interest in activities that would normally be enjoyable. It captures two related ideas: a reduced wanting or motivation to seek out rewarding experiences, and a reduced liking or enjoyment when engaging in them. In practice, someone with anhedonia may no longer find hobbies, social activities, or even usual pleasures satisfying, leading to less engagement overall.

This concept is often discussed in the context of mood disorders like depression, and can also appear as a negative symptom in other conditions. It’s not simply feeling sad or anxious, and it’s not about memory problems. That’s why the other descriptions—excessive worry, elevated mood with more energy, or impaired memory—don’t fit anhedonia.