Anhedonia can be a seperate issue from depression. It is also a specific component of depression but not all depression involves anhedonia or complete anhedonia. Anhedonia has also been known to be a function of antipsychotic meds(neuroleptics) and is sometimes characterized as a negative symptom of schizzophrenia. I had anhedonia for two years . A reintroduction to an ssnri i'd been on years before assuaged that.
Anhedonia--the inability to find pleasure out of enjoyable activities.Have you ever discussed the use of benzos with your doctor.They make such a huge difference for me.It is the difference between having a good day or having a bad one.You need to find the right meds for you.It looks as though you have tried a few ssris.
I agree with Maddie. I took looked up the term anhedonia, as it was new to me as well. It does seem to be a characteristic/symptom of a wider disorder which fit the criteria as depression. I cannot advice you whether or not to take Zoloft and I string advice against self-medicating. Have you ever discussed with your psychologist your suspicions that the meds may have caused this? If not, I suggest you do. I must say though that I do not think so. As I stated before it seems to be a branch on the depression tree, it is a part of it. However, if indeed the meds did cause this, as I am aware of the many side effects of pills, perhaps adding more to the pack is not the best idea.
I would try to seek ways in which I can find pleasure in various activities without the use of meds. Discuss with your therapist what YOU can do on your own to in this area.
Anna
Hello, I have just looked up Anhedonia as I have never come across that word before. It seems to me it is just a symptom of depression. I know that depression, when bad, takes away all enjoyment. I believe most people with depression would say they have this symptom.
If you were given anti-depressants, then your doctor believed you had depression. This should help with the symptoms. I do not believe Anhedonia is a symptom on its own. I would have thought that the anti-depressants you have taken would have helped.
I know, in my case, that anti-depressants have helped me a great deal. It would seem you need to go back to a doctor to state you feel no better. Some medications suit some people, and not others. You need to find the right one for you. It is such a shame they could not find the right anti-depressant for you in the hospital.
I cannot comment on which medication you should take. That is for the professionals.
I have felt all joy of surroundings and tasks is taken away with depression. If it has another name, as you say, called Anhedonia, then so be it. To me it is depression. I don't know if other people here would agree. Depression takes all the joy out of life. Things you once enjoyed have no meaning any more.