Reaction Time as a Risk Factor for Psychological Distress in the UK Health and Lifestyle

Abstract

Lower intelligence has been found to be a risk factor for common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. One suggestion is that scores on general cognitive ability tests in youth may reflect brain vulnerability which reflects how well the brain can cope with challenges in the environment. Information processing speed is a fundamental part of brain efficiency. This study looks at the longitudinal relationship between simple and choice reaction time (information processing speed) and psychological distress. Reaction time variability and choice reaction time were also examined in relation to psychological distress. Participants were 2,385 people from the UK HALS. Simple and choice reaction time were measured using a battery operated device and psychological distress was measured using the GHQ-30. It was found that individuals with slower information processing speed have a higher risk of psychological distress independent of a number of covariates. Word Count: 144