Reaction time and onset of psychological distress: the UK Health and Lifestyle Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cross-sectional studies have shown that depression is often accompanied by less efficient cognitive function, as indicated by slower speed of information processing. The direction of effect is unclear. We investigated prospectively whether slower processing speed, as indexed by longer simple or choice reaction time, is associated with an increased risk of psychological distress.

Methods

Participants were 3088 men and women aged 18 and over who had taken part in the UK Health and Lifestyle Survey. Simple and choice reaction time was measured in the baseline survey. Symptoms of psychological distress were assessed at baseline and at the 7-year follow-up survey with the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).

Results

In unadjusted models, a SD slower simpl

SUBMITTER: Gale CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4975803 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature