Cognitive psychology applied to depression, panic, and psychosis (MEQ)

(i) Working memory and capacity. Baddeley’s multi-component working memory is a limited-capacity system for temporary storage and manipulation, with a central executive coordinating phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and episodic buffer — not a passive box.[2] Multi-step clinic instructions exceed executive/WM load when depression and rumination compete for resources. Miller’s 7±2 describes approximate chunked immediate-memory limits; Cowan argues pure focus of attention is ~4 when chunking supports are limited — both are examinable refinements, not contradictions.[1][3]

(ii) Overgeneral memory and Beck. “I always fail” without dated episodes exemplifies overgeneral autobiographical memory (category retrieval), common in depression and linked to impaired problem-solving.[11] Beck’s architecture: activated core schemas generate intermediate beliefs and automatic thoughts within the cognitive triad (self/world/future); therapy targets these layers collaboratively.[7][8]

(iii) Clark panic. Interoceptive cues (tachycardia) are catastrophically misinterpreted as impending death/collapse; safety behaviours (sit, check pulse) reduce short-term fear but block disconfirmation, maintaining the belief that disaster was only averted by the safety act.[9]

(iv) Psychosis cognition and function. Residual hallucinations remitted yet work fails: neurocognitive deficits (verbal learning/memory, processing speed, WM, attention — MATRICS-style separable factors) predict real-world function beyond positive symptoms.[12][13] Misreading faces as hostile implicates social cognition (emotion processing, mentalising, attribution, social perception).[14]

(v) Assessment and one target each. Depression: bedside attention/WM, thought record, cue specific memories; target behavioural experiment or cognitive restructuring of triad plus written single-step plans.[2][8][11] Panic: expectancy rating of catastrophe; fade pulse-checking/sitting via graded interoceptive tests that violate predictions.[9] Schizophrenia: screen cognition/function, refer NP/remediation as needed; social cognition training/supported employment; compensatory strategies (written work steps).[12][14]