a post by Ann M Kring for the Big Think blog
Pleasure is not just about experiencing an enjoyable moment. It also involves anticipation – a connection between one's present and future selves.
Schizophrenia is one of the most widely misunderstood of human maladies. The truth of the illness is far different from popular caricatures of a sufferer muttering incoherently or lashing out violently. People with schizophrenia are, in fact, not more likely to be violent than people without schizophrenia. About one per cent of the worldwide population has schizophrenia, affecting men and women, rich and poor, and people of all races and cultures. It can be treated with medication and psychosocial treatments, though the treatments don't work well for every person and for every symptom. Most of all, it impacts everything that makes us human: the way one thinks, the way one behaves, and the way one feels – particularly the ability to experience pleasure.
Three-quarters of people with schizophrenia suffer from anhedonia: the decreased pleasure from events or activities that were once enjoyed. Friends will no longer be fun to be around, and once-tasty meals can come to taste bland. (It is also a core symptom of depression.) [my highlight] From a clinical perspective, anhedonia is assessed via an interview with a mental-health professional in which a person is asked about pleasure and enjoyment in various life activities such as socialising, eating, working or participating in hobbies.
Continue reading
I have not been diagnosed with schizophrenia nor do I think I have schizoid tendencies but I can empathise with everything in this article about pleasure and anticipation. Standing in the Vatican looking at that marvellous painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and thinking, “That’s nice”.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment