To stressed to think? Towards improved characterisation of cognitive impairment in stress-related exhaustion disorder

Stress-related exhaustion disorder (ED) is associated with concomitant cognitive impairment with large impact on the everyday and work-related functioning of patients.

Prior research shows that cognitive impairment in ED can be long-lasting and may be further exacerbated by mental fatigue.

However, despite a growing body of research on cognitive impairment in ED, results from prior studies have been heterogeneous, and the nature and mechanisms of the cognitive problems persons with ED experience in their everyday life is not yet fully understood.

Development of clinically useful treatments for cognitive impairment in this patient group requires reliable knowledge about which cognitive functions are affected and which individual and contextual factors influence cognitive impairment and cognitive change over time.

The aim of this research project is to characterize the pattern of cognitive impairment in ED, identify prognostic factors for cognitive deficits, and investigate how mental fatigue affects cognitive function in the patient group. To reach this aim, three studies are planned.

The first consists of a meta-analysis that integrates the available evidence on cognitive impairment in ED and explores the moderating effect of demographic and clinical factors.

The second study is based on data from the longest longitudinal follow-up of cognitive function in the field, re-examining patients four years after stress rehabilitation.

The third is a quasi-experimental study, examining how cognitive performance and subjective fatigue are affected by mental stress in patients with ED.

The proposed research will contribute new knowledge about which cognitive functions are impaired in ED, how these impairments influence patients’ everyday lives and who is at risk for cognitive problems.

This knowledge is important for the development of evidence-based rehabilitation methods and adjustments in the work environment that strengthen patients´ everyday functioning and work ability.