Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure and satisfaction from any activities; it is often accompanied by a diagnosis of Depression but clinical depression is not outlined by Anhedonia alone.
As Depression is more a 'feeling' of despair and loss of interest ; sadness predominates in those who succumb to classical Depression.
However, Anhedonia does not include sadness because it is describing the state of almost no emotions. So therefore there is a difference between Depression and Anhedonia but they often go together.
Perhaps even more important - is that anhedonia often leads to Depression (albeit a 'stale' depression). So it is very important that it is treated as soon as possible to prevent further mental health complications.
A more Subtle definition of Anhedonia would be the following.
As Depression is more a 'feeling' of despair and loss of interest ; sadness predominates in those who succumb to classical Depression.
However, Anhedonia does not include sadness because it is describing the state of almost no emotions. So therefore there is a difference between Depression and Anhedonia but they often go together.
Perhaps even more important - is that anhedonia often leads to Depression (albeit a 'stale' depression). So it is very important that it is treated as soon as possible to prevent further mental health complications.
A more Subtle definition of Anhedonia would be the following.
- You no longer laugh at TV Shows you once thought were funny.
- You do not feel interest, passion, or arousal by any activity.
- You are virtually void of your personality - it feels as if you are just living day to day just to live.
- You have no energy and no interest in really anything.
- Talking is done just to talk and feel and look normal . However, you feel there is no point largely, quality of life is in the shitter.
In order to predict a positive outcome - we have to explore the neurobiological indications of Anhedonia.
Emotions are principally regulated (or really, STIMULATED) by both the neurotransmitters : GLUTAMATE & Dopamine. These two neurotransmitters are key in incentive related motivation and general emotional expression.
Glutamate is a stimulatory/excitory neurotransmitter which is necessary for normal cellular energy production as well as memory functions .
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which broadcasts the actual feelings of pleasure and thus finishes or augments what Glutamate has started.
A common cause of deficiency (lack of) of these neurotransmitters is the use of certain anti-depressants in the SSRI-class (of which Prozac is notorious for). So Ironically , the medication you are taking for Depression may only appear to be working because the negative emotions are depleted..however, the positive ones are too.
Other medications such as antihistamines used to treat allergies/hay fever and chronic itching (Benadryl; Diphenhydramine) may also cause anhedonia along with lethargy and sedation. Antihistamine's can also cause paranoid-dysphoria (lack of pleasure but with a lingering paranoia/suspicion of others).
The stomach acid blocking drugs ; TAGAMET (Cimetidine) and ZANTAC (Ranitidine) can also cause some degree of anhedonia as they block other histamine receptors and some hormone receptors.
Beta-blocker drugs for high blood pressure can also cause fatigue and anhedonia; particularly in higher doses.
5-HTP ( a serotonin metabolite supplement ) and strong GABAergic drugs (Xanax, Klonopin) can also cause anhedonia and even Depression.
There are many other miscellaneous meds that can cause Anhedonia, so do your research!
So, to CURE ANHEDONIA PERMANENTLY....
FOLLOW THIS 5-STEP GUIDE
- Discontinue any medication you suspect might be causing the issues but consult a Doctor first.
- Get a Doctor to rule out hypothyroidism and hypogonadism.
- Follow a Dopamine-Boosting-Stack to replenish some of the neural circuitry that may be depleted.
- Be sure to begin taking a multi-Vitamin fortified with all essential B-Vitamins, Zinc and Vitamin D.
- Get out and go for a walk or attempt to participate in some form of Physical Activity (perhaps when the above prerequisites are taken care of)
These steps, when promptly followed , will lead to the eventual remission of Anhedonia , and , with time, will near permanently or permanently abolish anhedonia.
The following medications may also be of use.
- Selegiline (Deprenyl)
- Mianserin (U.K Only)
ADDITIONALLY
Get more PROTEIN in your Diet. Eat EGGS , FISH , STEAK - drink Protein Shakes etc - protein is Very VERY Important to produce neurotransmitters that empower our personality and self-esteem.
Eat important vegetables like Kale, Celery, Beets etc - these all can help rejuvenate a waning neural circuitry.
Can you please recommend a good dopamine boosting stack? I've hear Mucuna is good; yet some people experience almost psychotic symptoms from its consumption. This makes me wary somewhat from taking it.
ReplyDeleteMucuna is good , if you have predisposition to Psychotic symptoms though, I would be careful of the dose. For normal, average individuals , mucuna has almost no negative effects. Mucuna can be used with Catuaba and flowering quince.. the latter two are dopamine reuptake inhibitors whereas the Former (mucuna pruriens) is simply a L-DOPA containing herb.
Deleteexscuse me, any specific recomendations for antihistamine users for eczema ,(h1 blocators, like Desloratadine, and something maybe else) .
ReplyDeleteButterbur extract might help. Instead of the antihistamine. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WSLLN0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WSLLN0&linkCode=as2&tag=area1255-20&linkId=Y6PTVJCGEV2YWEE4
DeleteYou could also add a histamine H3 receptor antagonist - but this could worsen the allergy issue, potentially.
If the person has mercury poisoning, or is hypothyroid, or both, which is very likely and the population incidence of depressives with mercury toxicity is probably 95% or 100%, these solutions will either be a band-aid or do nothing.
ReplyDeletevery interesting keep posting. glucosamine chondroitin msm
ReplyDelete