Amnesia caused by depression: causes and treatments
In the field of psychological counseling, many people seek help with symptoms of depression. One common problem is that depression can cause memory loss or amnesia. This can be an additional source of distress for patients, so we need to understand its causes and come up with treatments.
Forgetting under physical and psychological stress
When people are under long-term or chronic stress, the body will secrete large amounts of stress hormones, such as cortisol. These hormones not only affect the nervous and immune systems, but also affect activity in areas of the brain associated with memory. As a result of being in a constant state of tension, people often have difficulty concentrating fully on learning, work, or other important tasks, resulting in lower quality memory information.
When individuals feel depressed or negative, they tend to avoid things that evoke negative emotions or trigger unpleasant memories. This avoidance behavior may include selective forgetting or distorted memory. Therefore, depressive symptoms may cause subjective amnesia.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: improving mood and memory
Treating memory loss caused by depression requires a series of methods and interventions. Among them, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used and effective treatment method. CBT aims to help patients identify and change negative, irrational thinking patterns and develop positive, adaptive thinking and behavioral habits.
CBT not only relieves depression but can also help restore normal brain function. By working with a counselor, patients can learn about the impact their negative thinking has on their memory and learn to increase focus and concentration by interrupting negative cycles and establishing a positive mindset. Finding new strategies and gradually practicing them in the face of setbacks can also extend working memory.
Medication combined with cognitive training
In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy, in some cases, medication can also be used to relieve depression and improve memory loss symptoms. Drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are widely used to treat depression and are said to provide positive effects on memory.
Cognitive training is also a complementary approach. Through regular, specialized training in attention, working memory, and long-term memory, patients can restore or enhance specific types of memory function. These trainings are usually conducted under the guidance of professional psychological counselors or cognitive behavioral therapists.
Establish a healthy lifestyle
The last important aspect is to promote the recovery of brain function and mental health by adjusting lifestyle. Maintaining good sleep quality, regular exercise, and a balanced diet will help reduce depression andIts related effects, thereby improving memory loss problems.
When treating memory loss problems caused by depression, patients can expect to achieve good results by combining cognitive behavioral therapy, medication and cognitive training. Adjusting your lifestyle is also an important aid. Of course, when implementing treatment plans, individual differences should be fully taken into account and worked closely with professional counselors.
