The term "anhedonia" refers to what symptom?

Anhedonia is a key symptom often associated with mood disorders, particularly major depressive disorder. It specifically refers to the loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once found enjoyable. This means individuals experiencing anhedonia may withdraw from social interactions, hobbies, or other activities that they previously engaged in with enthusiasm.

The impact of anhedonia is significant, as it can lead to a decrease in overall life satisfaction and can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness. Understanding anhedonia is crucial for assessing and treating depressive disorders, as addressing this symptom can be an important step in helping patients regain interest in life and their surroundings.

The other options describe different psychological phenomena that are not relevant to the definition of anhedonia. Thus, focusing on the loss of interest or pleasure aligns with the established understanding of this symptom within mental health contexts.