The Impact of Anhedonia on the Disease Burden of Major Depressive Disorder in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Cross-Sectional Real-World Study.

Aim: Anhedonia is a key symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), however, its burden in patients with MDD is not well understood. We aimed to assess the impact of anhedonia on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), health-care resource utilization (HRU), and work productivity in subjects with MDD and anhedonia (MDD-ANH) compared to subjects with MDD without ANH (MDD non-ANH).

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted across six countries/territories. Adult participants were categorized as MDD-ANH, MDD non-ANH, and General Population based on self-reported MDD diagnosis, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). Multivariate/generalized linear regression modeling (GLMs) and mediation analysis were used to assess anhedonia's impact on HRQoL/function, HRU, and work productivity.

Results: Among 11 383 respondents, 20.1% were identified with MDD (MDD-ANH: 12.7%; MDD non-ANH: 7.3%) and 79.9% as General Population. Subjects with MDD-ANH, compared with MDD non-ANH demonstrated significantly worse or lower sexual functioning, HRQoL (RAND mental/physical component summary, health state utility (EuroQol) Index scores, all p < 0.001), and higher HRU (psychiatrist visits). Work productivity (higher absenteeism/overall work productivity or daily life impairment scores; all p < 0.05) was significantly worse in subjects with MDD-ANH compared with MDD non-ANH.

Conclusion: Anhedonia in patients with MDD had a significant negative impact on HRQoL, sexual functioning, work productivity, and HRU, emphasizing the need for focus on anhedonia management in MDD patients in the Asia-Pacific region.