ANHEDONIA: THE MISSING PIECE IN PLEASURE AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY

Abstract

Anhedonia is characterized by diminished pleasure and is a common feature of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), but can also be absent from MDD. The present study examined whether depression with and without anhedonia influenced pleasantness responses and emotional reactivity to pleasant and unpleasant taste. Seventy-four undergraduates (12 with depression and anhedonia, 8 with depression and no anhedonia) completed pleasantness ratings and affective states scales following the consumption of pleasant, neutral and unpleasant drinks. The entire depression group reported diminished overall pleasantness responses but no difference in emotional reactivity compared to controls. Depressed individuals with anhedonia reported diminished overall pleasantness responses and emotional reactivity compared to depressed individuals without anhedonia. Anhedonia does influence pleasantness responses and emotional reactivity in depression. These results highlight the importance of considering heterogeneity in MDD.