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Doctors for anhedonia

Online consultations with doctors to assess anhedonia, loss of pleasure, and related mental health symptoms.

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Doctor

Anastasiia Hladkykh

Psychiatry 15 years exp.

Dr Anastasiia Hladkykh is a physician-psychotherapist and psychologist with over 14 years of experience working with individuals struggling with various types of addictions and their families. She provides online consultations for adults, combining medical knowledge with deep psychological support and practical tools.

Key areas of expertise:

  • Addiction treatment: alcohol and drug dependence, gambling addiction, compulsive behaviours, codependent relationships.
  • Support for families of addicted individuals, behavioural correction within the family system, guidance for maintaining remission.
  • Mental health: depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, phobias, PTSD, generalised anxiety, emotional trauma, and the psychological impact of loss or emigration.
  • Psychoeducation: explaining complex mental health concepts in simple language, helping patients and their families understand diagnoses and treatment steps.
Therapeutic approach:
  • Client-centred, straightforward, and empathetic – focused on practical outcomes and emotional stabilisation.
  • Prescribes medications when needed, but always aims to minimise unnecessary pharmaceutical use.
  • Certified in multiple evidence-based methods: CBT, NLP (Master Practitioner), Ericksonian hypnosis, symbol drama, art therapy, and systemic therapy.
  • Each consultation results in a clear, structured plan – patients leave knowing exactly what to do next.
Experience and background:
  • Member of the German association Gesundheitpraktikerin and the NGO “Mit dem Sonne in jedem Herzen.”
  • More than 18 publications in international peer-reviewed journals, translated into several languages.
  • Volunteer work with Ukrainian refugees and military personnel at the University Clinic of Regensburg.
Camera Book a video appointment
€130

How doctors assess anhedonia

Understanding loss of pleasure, emotional numbness, and changes in motivation

What anhedonia means in medical practice

What anhedonia means in medical practice

Anhedonia is a clinical symptom characterised by a reduced ability to feel pleasure, enjoyment, or interest in activities that were previously meaningful. It can affect emotional responses, motivation, and overall quality of life.

People with anhedonia often describe feeling emotionally flat, disconnected, or unable to experience joy, even in situations that would normally feel rewarding. This experience is different from ordinary tiredness or temporary low mood.

In medical practice, anhedonia is considered an important symptom because it can signal underlying mental health conditions and affect daily functioning.

Doctors focus on how persistent and impactful these changes are rather than on isolated emotional states.

Why loss of pleasure should be discussed with a doctor

Why loss of pleasure should be discussed with a doctor

Many people hesitate to seek help for anhedonia because they struggle to describe it or assume it is simply part of stress, burnout, or getting older. Others worry that nothing can be done or that the symptom is not serious enough.

Over time, loss of pleasure can lead to social withdrawal, reduced motivation, and difficulties at work or in relationships. It may also coexist with anxiety, sleep problems, or emotional exhaustion.

Anhedonia can appear in different clinical contexts and should not be dismissed as a personality trait or lack of effort.

Medical consultation helps place these symptoms in a clinical framework and determine whether further assessment is needed.

How doctors evaluate anhedonia

How doctors evaluate anhedonia

There is no single test to diagnose anhedonia. Doctors assess it through a structured clinical conversation that explores emotional responses, motivation, interest levels, and changes over time.

They consider how long symptoms have been present, whether they fluctuate, and how they affect everyday activities. The focus is on patterns rather than on a single moment or feeling.

Doctors also explore related factors such as sleep, stress levels, physical health, and medication use.

This comprehensive approach helps distinguish anhedonia from temporary emotional states.

What is discussed during an anhedonia consultation

What is discussed during an anhedonia consultation

During a consultation, doctors may ask about reduced enjoyment, emotional numbness, loss of interest, and changes in motivation or energy levels.

They also explore daily routines, social engagement, work functioning, and how symptoms have evolved. The aim is to understand the full context of the experience.

Doctors may assess overlapping symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, cognitive fatigue, or sleep disturbance.

The conversation remains clinical, respectful, and focused on understanding rather than judgement.

Anhedonia and realistic expectations

Anhedonia and realistic expectations

Anhedonia can vary in intensity and duration. For some people, it develops gradually, while for others it appears suddenly in response to prolonged stress or other factors.

Medical assessment is not about immediate solutions, but about clarity, understanding, and appropriate next steps.

Recognising anhedonia as a symptom rather than a personal failure can reduce self-blame and uncertainty.

Clear information and realistic expectations support informed decision-making and follow-up care.

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Common questions about anhedonia

Answers to frequent questions about loss of pleasure and medical assessment

What are common symptoms of anhedonia?
Common symptoms include loss of pleasure, reduced interest in activities, emotional numbness, and decreased motivation. Some people also notice social withdrawal or difficulty feeling positive emotions.

If these symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, medical evaluation is recommended.

Is anhedonia the same as depression?
Anhedonia is a symptom that can occur in depression, but it can also appear in other mental health conditions or on its own.

A doctor can help determine how anhedonia fits into the overall clinical picture during assessment.

Which doctor should I see for anhedonia?
Anhedonia can be assessed by doctors working in mental health, family medicine, or internal medicine.

Depending on the evaluation, further assessment or follow-up may be suggested.

The doctor helps guide the most appropriate clinical approach.

Can anhedonia be assessed during an online consultation?
Yes. Anhedonia can be assessed during an online consultation through detailed discussion of symptoms and medical history.

Online consultations offer privacy and convenient access to medical guidance.

What happens after an anhedonia assessment?
After the consultation, the doctor explains their clinical assessment and how symptoms may be understood.

Further steps or follow-up may be discussed depending on the situation.

The goal is to provide clarity and appropriate medical direction.

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