One recent study looked at university students during the pandemic. People who have had a past case of COVID-19 are significantly more likely than those who haven’t to report feelings of anhedonia. There’s some evidence that it’s becoming more widespread as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food doesn’t taste good and being with loved ones isn’t enjoyable.” How common is anhedonia? Without dopamine to stimulate your emotions, you don’t experience pleasure. When that happens, you have a drop in motivation and a sense of emotional flatlining.
“When it’s out of balance, your brain isn’t as sensitive to dopamine and doesn’t process it well. Dewald is a biopsychologist and assistant professor of psychology at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu.
“Dopamine is known as the reward-pleasure neurotransmitter,” explains Andrew Dewald, PhD. Among other things, dopamine plays a role in the way your brain decides whether a task is worth the effort. Scientists don’t have all the answers, but they point to a brain chemical called dopamine. And that’s keeping people from finding joy and predisposing them toward depression.” We’re anxious and stressed and chronically tired. “Everything has become so fraught and effortful and complicated, from whether or not to wear a mask at the grocery store to challenges with family members about politics. She is a clinical psychologist in Annville, Pennsylvania. “I think what’s happening is that after so many months of the pandemic, people are feeling depleted,” says Kerrie Smedley, PhD. And it seems to be a more common problem these days. Physical anhedonia: You don't enjoy physical sensations such as hugs or delicious food.Īnhedonia is often a symptom of other mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia, but not always.Social anhedonia: You experience less pleasure when interacting with friends and feel less motivated to do so.
What is anhedonia?Īnhedonia is a loss of the ability to feel pleasure while doing things that are normally enjoyable. Sound familiar? You might be experiencing a condition known as anhedonia. And hanging out with your partner feels meh. Meeting up with good friends - once the highlight of your week - doesn’t bring the sense of joy and anticipation it used to. Something strange is going on: The things you’ve always enjoyed doing aren’t much fun anymore.
0 kommentar(er)
