Social anhedonia and other indicators of risk for schizophrenia: Theory and inquiry

Psychiatry Res. 2023 Jan:319:114966. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114966. Epub 2022 Nov 19.

Abstract

In this commentary, the author traces theoretical contributions that fueled her interest in the role of social/interpersonal striving, relating, and enjoyment in terms of schizophrenia. Social anhedonia is discussed in the context of schizophrenia. The author reviews selective empirical evidence indicating that social anhedonia has a unique role in terms of risk for schizophrenia as well as schizophrenia outcome. Other risk indicators for adult schizophrenia-spectrum outcomes are briefly considered. The author discusses the measurement of social anhedonia across the lifespan and transdiagnostically. Finally, this commentary offers a critique of current strategies for risk calculation.

Keywords: Anticipatory and Consummatory Interpersonal Pleasure Scale (ACIPS); Plankton; Primary production; Risk prediction and calculation; Schizotypy; Social reward.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anhedonia
  • Female
  • Happiness
  • Humans
  • Pleasure
  • Schizophrenia*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires