Daily Brain Snack: Stress Disrupts Cognitive Function Particularly in Those with Mental Health Conditions

A new review shows that the impact of acute stress on executive functions is worse in those with mental health conditions

You’ve reported multiple times that stress disrupts cognitive function — isn’t this standard knowledge now?

Yes, indeed, it is widely-known that stress disrupts (that means reduces or blocks) cognitive functions. And this includes short-term memory, dealing with complexity, keeping on task, and decision making to name a few.

The question is always to what degree and what functions? Knowing this enables us to build better interventions. It can also enable us to build training programmes or identify who is most or least susceptible. For example, last week in my review, I reported on the US navy investing a considerable amount into research into procedural performance and decision-making under stress.

But some stress can help, right?

Yes, that is also the case sometimes called Eustress — i.e. enough stimulus boosts focus and attention and this can increase performance on many tasks.