ReLIT for Anhedonia

Anhedonia, a reduction in motivation and in the ability to feel positive emotions, is widespread among Veterans across a range of psychiatric disorders. This impairment is associated with poorer psychosocial functioning and is resistant to first-line medication and psychotherapy treatments. However, interventions to improve anhedonia are sorely lacking. Reward learning supports motivation to seek rewards, and this mechanism can be enhanced by engaging in reward exploration. Our preliminary findings suggest that this approach can help improve reward responsiveness and positive mood among depressed and anxious individuals. Thus, the proposed research will test the preliminary efficacy of a computerized reward learning training in improving reward sensitivity and reducing anhedonia in Veterans. This new intervention could offer a novel remotely accessible treatment and help enhance the efficacy of existing evidence-based treatments for depression and other psychiatric conditions in Veterans.