Anhedonia is a mental health disorder that describes a reduced interest in activities an individual used to enjoy, as well as a decreased ability to feel pleasure. Most people understand what pleasure feels like and what makes them happy. Maybe you enjoy riding your bike, listening to the sounds of the ocean, or holding someone's hand. The things that once made them content are no longer fun or enjoyable. That's anhedonia.

There are two main types of anhedonia:

a) social anhedonia in which you don't want to spend time with other people.

b) physical anhedonia, wherein, you don't enjoy physical sensations. A hug leaves you empty rather than nurtured. Your favourite foods taste bland. Even sex can lose its appeal. And it can show up in people with seemingly unrelated health conditions like Parkinson's disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and substance abuse issues (like using illegal drugs).

Scientists are working on new treatments for people with anhedonia who don't get better with antidepressant medications and talk therapy. One that shows promise is ketamine (an anesthetic drug) that has an antidepressant effect. Other treatments include Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) using electrodes to induce a small brain seizure, Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to stimulate nerve cells, and Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to stimulate the brain.

If you noticed a waning interest in things that once brought you joy, contact a doctor or a psychiatrist.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org