The most debilitating symptom of depression can actually be absent — a void representing the inability to feel positive emotions or experience pleasure.
That symptom — known clinically as anhedonia — affects nearly 90% of people with major depression but is left largely unaddressed by conventional treatment options, researchers say.
A new study by Southern Methodist University (SMU) psychologists suggests that targeting positive emotions directly is a more powerful treatment approach. The research is the culmination of more than a decade of clinical trials examining Positive Affect Treatment, or PAT, a 15-session psychotherapy designed to rebuild patients’ capacity for joy, purpose, motivation and reward.
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PAT was designed to specifically address the reward center in the brain, which helps individuals learn about and respond to positive events. It works by modifying what is referred to as the “positive system” in the brain through activities aimed at getting patients involved in positive activities, drawing their attention to positive stimuli, and fostering skills such as gratitude, appreciation, and loving kindness.
While traditional approaches have involved trying to work on negative feelings, PAT only focuses on positive affect. This makes its efficacy even more notable as patients experienced improvements on both positive and negative scales, even though no attempt was made to address negative emotions.
A randomized control trial of 98 severely anhedonic, depressed, and anxious adults showed that the use of PAT led to better overall clinical outcomes compared to a treatment for negative affect. Patients reported significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety. Researchers noted the modulation of reward and threat mechanisms as an important contributing factor.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.