Depression Influences
Cognitive Task Performance
Cognitive Task Performance
Depression has been classified as a mood disorder or "affective"
disorder. Mood is defined as a powerful, sustained emotion that,
in the extreme, markedly affects a person's perception of the world
and ability to adequately function in society. Mood disorders are
among the most common health problems doctors see every day.
Mood disorders are divided into two major categories: depressive
disorder. Mood is defined as a powerful, sustained emotion that,
in the extreme, markedly affects a person's perception of the world
and ability to adequately function in society. Mood disorders are
among the most common health problems doctors see every day.
Mood disorders are divided into two major categories: depressive
disorders and bipolar disorders. Depression affects approximately
5 percent of the population at any given time, and about 30 percent
of adults will suffer from depression over a lifetime. Women are two
to three times more likely to experience depression than men.
5 percent of the population at any given time, and about 30 percent
of adults will suffer from depression over a lifetime. Women are two
to three times more likely to experience depression than men.
Cognitive function is the term used to describe a person's state of consciousness (alertness and orientation), memory, attention span,
and insight. A mental status examination (MSE) is a standard tool
used by clinicians to measure a patient's overall mental health.
Evaluating a patient's cognitive functions includes first of all, measuring
the level of alertness and orientation. Recent research suggests that depression may actually offer cognitive benefits.
The study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that depressed individuals performed better than their non-depressed peers
in sequential decision tasks. The study included participants who were classified as healthy, clinically depressed or recovering from depression. The subjects were instructed to play a computer game in which they
could earn money by hiring an applicant in a simulated job search.
Researchers found that healthy participants searched through relatively
few candidates before selecting an applicant whereas depressed participants searched more thoroughly and made choices that resulted
in higher payoffs. These results suggest that there is at least one positive side effect of having depression and that further investigations may
reveal the roots of depression and possibly lead to better treatment options.
and insight. A mental status examination (MSE) is a standard tool
used by clinicians to measure a patient's overall mental health.
Evaluating a patient's cognitive functions includes first of all, measuring
the level of alertness and orientation. Recent research suggests that depression may actually offer cognitive benefits.
The study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that depressed individuals performed better than their non-depressed peers
in sequential decision tasks. The study included participants who were classified as healthy, clinically depressed or recovering from depression. The subjects were instructed to play a computer game in which they
could earn money by hiring an applicant in a simulated job search.
Researchers found that healthy participants searched through relatively
few candidates before selecting an applicant whereas depressed participants searched more thoroughly and made choices that resulted
in higher payoffs. These results suggest that there is at least one positive side effect of having depression and that further investigations may
reveal the roots of depression and possibly lead to better treatment options.
Source: Journal of Abnormal Psychology
"Performance benefits of depression: Sequential decision making in a healthy sample and a clinically depressed sample" April 2011.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional for medical and nutritional consultation.
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