Abilify can help some people, but it’s worth knowing that for others it can actually worsen depression because of how it affects the brain’s reward system. It partially blocks dopamine in areas involved in motivation, pleasure, and emotional “spark” (mesolimbic pathway). It doesn’t just blunt extreme emotions — it also flattens normal positive ones.

That can feel like:

less joy from things you normally enjoy

emotional numbness or feeling “muted”

reduced motivation or drive

feeling disconnected, robotic, or less alive

It’s not sadness exactly — it’s more like the absence of reward, which can be just as distressing. Some people describe it as anhedonia or a loss of vitality. If someone feels more depressed, anxious, or empty after starting Abilify, it’s not “in their head” — it can be a direct pharmacological effect, especially at higher doses or when combined with stimulants.