Sometimes I Have A Lot Of Trouble Making Decisions. Does That Mean I'm Having A Stress Reaction?

Dr. Gerardi answers the question: 'Trouble Making Decisions And Stress?'

ByABC News
April 16, 2008, 5:52 PM

— -- Question: Sometimes I have a lot of trouble making decisions. Does that mean I'm having a stress reaction?

Answer: Being under stress can influence some of your cognitive processes such as your level of concentration and your short term memory. And this in turn can have an effect on your decision making process and ability. Studies have shown that while under stress, people will sometimes make more risky decisions or make decisions where they haven't considered other alternatives.

So it does make sense to make sure, especially when you're making a big decision that you're in a calm place and not under stress. It's also important to note that there are other disorders like depression and anxiety which do have a direct effect on decision making ability.

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