Does anhedonia correlate with depression severity in chronic depression?

Compr Psychiatry. 1997 Sep-Oct;38(5):260-3. doi: 10.1016/s0010-440x(97)90057-2.

Abstract

Anhedonia has been proposed as a psychological marker for biological depression. In this study, anhedonia was measured in a cohort of chronically depressed outpatients. Levels of anhedonia were similar to those reported in acutely depressed patients. Anhedonia was significantly correlated with morbid risk of depression in first-degree family members, neuroticism, introversion, and dysfunctional attitudes, but not with depression severity or hopelessness scores. In a naturalistic follow-up study over a 1-year period, while depression severity was significantly reduced, anhedonia scores remained constant. The study provides support for the view that in chronic depression anhedonia may have trait-like properties, and that the propensity toward anhedonic responses may occur irrespective of depressive severity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affective Symptoms / diagnosis*
  • Affective Symptoms / psychology
  • Aged
  • Chronic Disease
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / genetics
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Inventory
  • Risk Factors