The Effects of Anhedonia in Social Context

Barkus, Emma (2021) The Effects of Anhedonia in Social Context. Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, 8 (3). pp. 77-89. ISSN 2196-2979

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Abstract

Purpose of review: Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom comprising reduced subjective reward or pleasure. Anhedonia influences subjective anticipation and in the moment experiences. This review draws together affective, learning and engagement evidence for anhedonia effecting subjective experiences of social environments.
Recent findings: While social engagement is diminished consistently, subjective appraisals of social contexts vary across different mental health disorders. Low positive affect during social experiences or stimuli is reported in PTSD, mood, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Diminished neural reward networks underpin the anticipation of social experiences in ADHD, schizophrenia spectrum and autistic spectrum disorders. Multiple theories exist to explain how anhedonia might interfere with social environments.
Summary: Anhedonia is a barrier for engagement, motivation and enjoyment of social contexts. While many studies characterise experiences during social contexts, learning theories provide the most promise for developing targeted interventions.

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