Study Concentration Problems Depression inhibits performance

Decreased performance through depression - help for those affected
According to estimates, around four million people in Germany are currently suffering from depression. The mental illness manifests itself among other things by a persistent depressed mood, listlessness and also physical symptoms. In addition, the performance decreases.

Around four million Germans suffer from depression
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In Germany, an estimated five percent of the population, i. about four million people are affected, reports the Professional Association of German Psychiatrists (BVDN) on the information portal "Neurologists and psychiatrists in the network". The disease also affects the ability to work. Those affected should seek professional help.

People with depression also often have problems concentrating. Because the disease affects the thinking power. Experts recommend affected persons to seek help. (Image: chajamp / fotolia.com)

Mental illness with various symptoms
In the S3 guideline / national care guideline "Unipolar Depression" experts explain that the disease "depression" is not always easy to recognize, it also often remains unrecognized.

Certain longer-lasting symptoms indicate that a depressive illness is present. "These include, for example, a depressed mood, loss of interest and lack of drive," says the guideline.

Those affected also have a lower self-esteem, anxiety about the future, sleep and appetite disorders as well as physical complaints such as gastrointestinal problems or a feeling of pressure in the throat and chest.

In the long term, depression can promote type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and heart attack, among others.

Affected persons should be helped
In addition, sufferers often have problems concentrating during a depressive phase. Because the disease also affects the mind. As the BVDN explained according to a message from the news agency dpa, this side effect is not known to many - even those affected.

Thus, it is difficult for some patients in a depressive phase to plan things, to keep track and to be efficient in the job.

The psychotherapists recommend that sufferers openly address such symptoms to their doctor and seek help. After just a few therapy sessions, many patients felt an improvement.

"In recent decades, a lot has been done with respect to the therapy and more than 80% of the patients can be helped permanently and successfully," writes the BVDN.

"That's why it is even more important that the general population is sensitized and educated for this topic: Because depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender and social status." (Ad)