Cognitive Deficits in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Impairments in Attention, Executive Functioning, and Cognitive Flexibility Among Young Adults

Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health condition marked by excessive, uncontrollable worry, which can significantly impair daily functioning. While cognitive deficits have been well-documented in other mental disorders, the specific impact of GAD on cognitive functioning, particularly in young adults, remains under-explored. Previous studies have primarily focused on cognitive impairments in other anxiety disorders, leaving GAD less researched. Methods: This study aimed to assess cognitive functioning in young adults with GAD compared to healthy controls. A total of 30 patients diagnosed with GAD and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls participated. A neuropsychological battery, including the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Trail Making Test (TMT), and Stroop Task, was administered to assess attention, executive functioning, and cognitive flexibility. Results: GAD patients showed significantly poorer performance on tasks measuring attention and cognitive control, particularly on the CPT, where they exhibited increased reaction times and higher error rates. The WCST revealed difficulties in adapting to changing rules, indicating impaired cognitive flexibility. Additionally, the TMT indicated slower task-switching efficiency in GAD patients. The Stroop Test showed delays in task completion, but no significant difference in interference scores between groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that GAD is associated with significant cognitive impairments, particularly in areas of attention, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. These deficits are closely linked to the severity of anxiety symptoms and highlight the need for further research into the neurobiological mechanisms behind these cognitive dysfunctions. Addressing these cognitive deficits in therapeutic interventions could improve outcomes for individuals with GAD, enhancing both emotional and cognitive well-being.