Does depression make it hard to retain information?

Depression has been linked to memory problems, such as forgetfulness or confusion. It can also make it difficult to focus on work or other tasks, make decisions, or think clearly. Stress and anxiety can also lead to poor memory. Depression is associated with short-term memory loss.

How does major depressive disorder affect the brain?

There’s growing evidence that several parts of the brain shrink in people with depression. Specifically, these areas lose gray matter volume (GMV). That’s tissue with a lot of brain cells. GMV loss seems to be higher in people who have regular or ongoing depression with serious symptoms.

Can MDD cause memory loss?

Depression may cause short-term memory loss. A 2018 study on people with depression found that memory complaints had correlations with more severe symptoms of depression.

How does depression affect cognitive functioning?

It can impair your attention and memory, as well as your information processing and decision-making skills. It can also lower your cognitive flexibility (the ability to adapt your goals and strategies to changing situations) and executive functioning (the ability to take all the steps to get something done).

Can depression cause mild cognitive?

Individuals with worse depression and mood symptoms are more likely to develop Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and to progress from MCI to dementia. Evaluation and treatment of symptoms of depression may improve or maintain cognitive functioning in some older patients diagnosed with MCI.

Is major depression disorder a disability?

Depression is considered a psychiatric disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It’s a significant mood disorder that’s known to interfere with daily activities, which may include your ability to work.

Which part of the brain is affected by depression?

Areas that play a significant role in depression are the amygdala, the thalamus, and the hippocampus (see Figure 1). Research shows that the hippocampus is smaller in some depressed people.

How does depression impact social skills?

Once a depressed mood is induced, other depressive factors including self-focused attention and negative cognitions are activated and lead to deficits in social problem solving skills. These results support the idea that social skills deficits are a manifestation of depressive factors.

What is the best way to communicate with individuals experiencing major depression?

The best way to communicate with someone who has depression is to be a good listener and to use language that is supportive. Experiencing depression can result in: a lack of energy and not being able to sleep.

What are the cognitive symptoms of major depressive disorder?

The potential cognitive changes from depression include executive dysfunction, impaired learning and memory, reduced attention and concentration, and lower processing speed.