Which population is most likely to exhibit both avolition and anhedonia as symptoms?

Avolition and anhedonia are both significant symptoms associated with major depressive disorder. Avolition refers to a lack of motivation or inability to initiate and persist in activities, while anhedonia is the diminished ability to experience pleasure in activities that are typically enjoyable.

Individuals who are suffering from major depressive disorder often find themselves struggling to engage in daily life due to overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and sadness, which can lead to both avolition and anhedonia. This is at the core of the condition, making it distinct from the other options presented.

In contrast, anxiety disorders generally involve excessive worry and physical symptoms of anxiety rather than a lack of motivation or pleasure. Bipolar disorder, while it may contain depressive episodes, often features manic or hypomanic episodes characterized by increased energy and activity, which is not indicative of avolition. Obsessive-compulsive disorder centers around intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors rather than the symptoms of avolition and anhedonia. Therefore, the population that most commonly experiences both avolition and anhedonia is those diagnosed with major depressive disorder.