The impact of psychological distress on working memory during COVID-19 by disentangling cognitive deficits from emotional burden.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on public health and human cognitive functioning, with studies highlighting deficits in attention, executive function, and working memory. In this study, we examine the relationship between working memory performance and anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, and psychological distress-variables known to influence cognitive functioning. Our findings reveal that psychological distress accounted for a significant portion of the variance in visual working memory performance, particularly during the early stages of the disease when distress levels were at their peak. These results underscore the importance of distinguishing the direct effects of COVID-19 on brain structures from the broader psychological toll. These findings highlight the need for rehabilitation programs to address not only cognitive impairments but also the psychological burden faced by patients, ensuring a more holistic approach to recovery.