Which term describes the inability to feel pleasure?

Which term describes the inability to feel pleasure?

• A. Depressed mood
• B. Anhedonia
• C. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• D. Fatigue

Answer: (B)

Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure. In schizophrenia, it is a negative symptom reflecting a reduced capacity to experience enjoyment from normally pleasant activities, which can contribute to social withdrawal and reduced motivation. This is distinct from depressed mood, which is a pervasive feeling of sadness; fatigue, which is low energy; and psychomotor changes, which describe slowing or agitation of movement. Recognizing anhedonia helps clinicians understand a loss of pleasure that goes beyond general mood or energy levels.

Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure. In schizophrenia, it is a negative symptom reflecting a reduced capacity to experience enjoyment from normally pleasant activities, which can contribute to social withdrawal and reduced motivation. This is distinct from depressed mood, which is a pervasive feeling of sadness; fatigue, which is low energy; and psychomotor changes, which describe slowing or agitation of movement. Recognizing anhedonia helps clinicians understand a loss of pleasure that goes beyond general mood or energy levels.