Short Communication - Journal Clinical Psychiatry and Cognitive Psychology (2025) Volume 9, Issue 2

Cognitive Distortions and Decision-Making Patterns in Depressed Adolescents

Farid Mahmoud ^*

Department of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Unit, Emirates College of Mental Health, Abu Dhabi, UAE

*Corresponding Author:

Farid Mahmoud
Department of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Unit
Emirates College of Mental Health,
UAE
E-mail: f.mahmoud@psychomed.ae

Received:27-May-2025,Manuscript No.AACPCP-25-167453; Editor assigned:01-Jun-2025,PreQC No.AACPCP-25-167453(PQ); Reviewed:15-Jun-2025,QC No.AACPCP-25-167453; Revised:22-Jun-2025,Manuscript No.AACPCP-25-167453(R); Published:29-Jun-2025,DOI: 10.35841/aacpcp-9.2.222

Citation: Mahmoud F. Cognitive Distortions and Decision-Making Patterns in Depressed Adolescents. Cogn Psychol. 2025; 9(2):222

Introduction

Adolescence is a critical period for cognitive and emotional development, and depression during this stage often interferes with rational thinking and behavior. One key aspect of this interference is the presence of cognitive distortions irrational and negatively biased thought patterns—that can significantly affect decision-making abilities [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Common cognitive distortions seen in depressed adolescents include catastrophizing (expecting the worst), overgeneralization (drawing broad conclusions from a single event), and black-and-white thinking (seeing situations in extremes). These distorted thoughts can lead adolescents to make decisions based more on emotion than logic, often resulting in poor academic performance, social withdrawal, or risky behaviors [6, 7, 8].

Moreover, depression can impair executive functions such as planning, problem-solving, and impulse control. When combined with cognitive distortions, these deficits can cause adolescents to misjudge consequences, underestimate their strengths, and choose maladaptive coping strategies [9, 10].

Conclusion

Cognitive distortions play a significant role in shaping the decision-making patterns of depressed adolescents, often pushing them toward negative outcomes. Early psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help challenge these distortions, improve cognitive flexibility, and support healthier decision-making during this vulnerable life stage.

References

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