Pseudodementia

Pseudodementia (otherwise known as depression-related cognitive dysfunction or depressive cognitive disorder) is a condition where mental cognition can be temporarily decreased. The term pseudodementia is applied to the range of functional psychiatric conditions such as depression, schizophrenia and other psychosis, mania, dissociative disorder and conversion disorder that may mimic organic dementia, but are essentially reversible on treatment. Pseudodementia typically involves three cognitive components: memory issues, deficits in executive functioning, and deficits in speech and language. Specific cognitive symptoms might include trouble recalling words or remembering things in general, decreased attentional control and concentration, difficulty completing tasks or making decisions, decreased speed and fluency of speech, and impaired processing speed. People with pseudodementia are typically very distressed about the cognitive impairment they experience. Two treatments found to be effective for the treatment of depression may also be beneficial in the treatment of pseudodementia: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which identifies behaviors that positively and negatively impact mood, and Interpersonal therapy which focuses on identifying ways in which interpersonal relationships contribute to depression.