Can anxiety disorder cause cognitive impairment?

Anxiety disorder may lead to cognitive impairments, as analyzed below:

Anxiety disorder can cause attention deficits, making patients overly focused on potential threats while neglecting other important information. It can also generate excessive pressure from unrealistically high self-expectations, along with worries and anticipation about the future, resulting in negative thought patterns that interfere with working memory. Additionally, patients may experience difficulties in decision-making, excessive rumination, persistent worry, and constant prediction of potential risks and consequences, leading to hesitancy in action or poor decision-making. These cognitive impairments may further exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Patients diagnosed with anxiety disorder should receive proper medical treatment under a doctor's guidance to prevent worsening of symptoms.