Neurodiversity Insight
Mood Factors and Cognition
Mood symptoms consume cognitive bandwidth. Treating the emotional component often improves thinking.
When mood masquerades as memory loss
Depression can slow information processing, hamper multitasking, and blunt motivation, creating a phenomenon sometimes called “pseudodementia.” Anxiety, meanwhile, hijacks working memory by keeping threat detection on high alert. Understanding this interplay prevents mislabeling reversible symptoms as permanent decline.
Assessment focus
A targeted evaluation looks at both cognition and emotional health:
- Attention and working memory tests reveal whether distraction or slowed speed is driving errors.
- Emotional questionnaires capture the severity and triggers of anxiety/depression.
- Performance validity measures ensure the data reflect true effort.
Pathways to improvement
Treatment plans often include psychotherapy, medication review, stress physiology interventions (sleep, exercise, mindfulness), and practical cognitive strategies. We collaborate with treating clinicians so mood care and cognitive support move in tandem.