Comparison of Reflexive Saccadic Inhibition, Working Memory, and Cognitive Functions in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Healthy Control

Abstract

Introduction: Reflexive saccade inhibition, working memory, and cognitive functioning represent core neurocognitive domains that may distinguish anxious individuals from their healthy counterparts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare reflexive saccade inhibition, working memory and cognitive functions in patients with generalized anxiety disorder and healthy individuals. Methods: This research was a descriptive-cross-sectional study of a causal comparative type. A sample of 90 people from the statistical population of all patients with generalized anxiety disorder and normal individuals in Tabriz city in 2023 was selected through convenience sampling and placed into two groups of patients with generalized anxiety disorder and normal individual. Research tools were anti-saccade task questionnaires, digit recall test and executive function index. The mean and standard deviation were used to describe the data, and the multivariate analysis of variance method was used for analysis, which was performed using SPSS software version 24. Results: According to the results, there is a difference between reflexive saccade inhibition, working memory, and strategic planning between patients with generalized anxiety disorder and normal individuals (p≥0/01). There is no difference in terms of motivational drive between patients with generalized anxiety disorder and normal individuals (p<0/05). There is a difference in terms of inhibitory control between patients with generalized anxiety disorder and normal individuals (p≥0/05). There is no difference in terms of empathy between patients with generalized anxiety disorder and normal individuals (p<0/05). Conclusion: Patients with generalized anxiety disorder face deficiencies in reflexive saccade inhibition and working memory; therefore, targeted assessment and interventions in these neuropsychological functions can help improve, diagnose, and treat these patients.