Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
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The Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Inducing Anhedonia in Mice
Published on: October 24, 2018
18.5K
Conceptualizing anhedonias and implications for depression treatments
E Samuel Winer1, D Gage Jordan1, Amanda C Collins1
1Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA, E.Samuel.Winer@msstate.edu.
Psychology Research and Behavior Management
|June 14, 2019
Summary
Anhedonia, a core symptom in depression and schizophrenia, is complex. Research clarifies its social vs. physical aspects and "wanting" vs. "liking" dimensions for better diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Anhedonia is a key symptom in depression and schizophrenia.
- The construct of anhedonia is complex and multifaceted.
- Existing research defines anhedonia through various independent concepts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and clarify the multifaceted nature of anhedonia.
- To distinguish between social and physical aspects of anhedonia.
- To differentiate between "wanting" and "liking" pleasure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on anhedonia.
- Categorization of anhedonia research based on conceptual and methodological distinctions.
- Analysis of different assessment methods (trait, state, change-based).
Main Results:
- Anhedonia research distinguishes between social and physical contexts.
- The "wanting" (interest) and "liking" (experience) dimensions of pleasure are key differentiators.
- Various assessment methods (trait, state, change-based) are used to indicate anhedonia.
Conclusions:
- Advances in theory and methodology are leading to a more precise science of anhedonia.
- Personalized assessment and treatment strategies for anhedonia are emerging.
- Future research should focus on theoretically-guided operationalizations for clinical advancement.
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