If you experiencegeneralized anxiety disorder(GAD), you have chronic and persistent anxiety.
Your friends and loved ones may describe you as “nervous” or “worried.”
You may feel anxious about daily situations, and your worry is likely out of proportion or irrational.
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Anxiety can alter your everyday routines, and it can also have an impact on your memories.
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Working memory is critical for solving problems effectively and managing chunks of information in the present.
Working memory is strongly influenced by worry and anxiety.
Other Effects on Memory
Generalized anxiety disorder can also affect memory in others ways.
Normally, once the threat has passed, therelaxation responsekicks in and returns your body to a pre-stress state.
This can interfere with memory.
Lack of sleepcan affect memory in a few different ways.
First, poor sleep quality can impair focus and make it harder for people to focus and learn.
Sleep is also essential for memory consolidation.
Anxiety-Related Memory Problems
This can be a major problem in your work and personal life.
Worry can hinder your working memory, causing you to forget important tasks or appointments.
You may make more mistakes at work or have trouble juggling everything you better do at home.
School/work performance, the ability to use complexproblem-solving strategiesanddecision-making skillsmay be compromised.
If so, this is an especially good reason to seek treatment for your GAD.
Learning to control and minimize worrying can greatly affect your working memory.
Therapy
Look for atherapist who specializes in anxiety disorders.
They can help you manage your anxiety in a way that is healthy and sustainable.
Medication
In some cases,medicationmay be needed to control your anxiety appropriately.
This can be a huge help in handling your symptoms.
Your options might include medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, azapirones, and antipsychotics/anti-convulsants.
Researchers have found that exercise can be effective in the treatment and prevention of anxiety.
Research has also shown that exercise can positively affect memory.
(Plus, it will help you sleep better, too!)
However, it is also important to talk to your doctor about yourmemory problems.
Anxiety might be the primary culprit, but other factors might play a role.
Your doctor can rule out other potential causes and recommend treatments that can help.
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National Institutes of Health.Sleep on it: How snoozing strengthens memories.
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