Psychiatry and Psychology

Processing Speed

The time it takes to understand and do a mental task. Unlike REACTION TIME processing speed does not necessarily include a motor component in response. Processing speed is tested by most NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

The time it takes to understand and do a mental task. Unlike REACTION TIME processing speed does not necessarily include a motor component in response. Processing speed is tested by most NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

Knowledge Graph

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

17 entry terms
  • Cognitive Processing Speed
  • Mental Processing Speed
  • Cognitive Processing Speeds
  • Mental Processing Speeds
  • Processing Speed, Cognitive
  • Processing Speed, Mental
  • Processing Speeds
  • Speed, Cognitive Processing
  • Speed, Mental Processing
  • Speed, Processing
  • Psychomotor Processing Speed
  • Psychomotor Speed
  • Processing Speed, Psychomotor
  • Psychomotor Processing Speeds
  • Psychomotor Speeds
  • Speed, Psychomotor
  • Speed, Psychomotor Processing

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

5 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, genetics, immunology, physiology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

History Note

2023

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Cognition (1985-2022)
  • Neuropsychological Tests (1987-2022)
  • Reaction Time (1972-2022)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. F02w.463w.188w.817
  2. F02w.808.430
  3. F02w.830w.628

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Processing Speed. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D000094725. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D000094725
  2. Processing Speed. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116847687