How your mental state shapes your decision-making: A new study on how anxious brain works

In situations of increasing chaos, individuals with clinical anxiety and depression face challenges in making effective decisions and learning from their mistakes, as per a study conducted by UC Berkeley. 

The study suggests that focusing on positive outcomes rather than fixating on errors can enhance the judgment of those experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. 

Let's find out more.

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Published in the journal eLife, the findings gain significance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires swift and adaptive thinking to avoid adverse outcomes.

Researchers assessed the probabilistic decision-making abilities of over 300 adults, including individuals with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. 

The study observed how participants used positive or negative results from past actions to inform current decisions. 

Those exhibiting symptoms of both anxiety and depression encountered difficulties in adapting to changing conditions, particularly in scenarios simulating a rapidly changing environment. 

The study does not suggest that people with clinical anxiety and depression are predisposed to poor decision-making. Instead, tailored treatments like cognitive behavior therapy could enhance decision-making skills by concentrating on past successes.

Conversely, participants without anxiety adapted swiftly to changing patterns. 

Why it's important

The findings indicate that addressing weaknesses in decision-making among those with anxiety and depression might benefit from redirecting attention toward positive outcomes. 

This insight provides a potential avenue for therapeutic interventions to improve their ability to navigate changing circumstances.
 

• Related news:
• research
• anxiety
• decisions
• 30 August 2023

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