Which term is commonly associated with diminished ability to experience pleasure, often seen in major depressive disorder?

• A. Euphoria
• B. Anxiety
• C. Anhedonia
• D. Depressed mood

Answer: (C)

Anhedonia describes a diminished ability to experience pleasure or a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. In major depressive disorder, this hedonic deficit is a common and defining feature, reflecting a reduced capacity to find joy in typically pleasurable experiences. It’s more specific than a general mood change because it focuses on the inability to feel pleasure, whereas depressed mood describes a persistent sad state and doesn’t by itself capture changes in pleasure or interest. Euphoria would be the opposite of anhedonia, indicating unusually strong happiness. Anxiety is about excessive worry or fear, not the capacity for pleasure. Depressed mood is a core symptom, but the term asked for here specifically denotes the loss of pleasure, which is why anhedonia is the best fit.