Executive function is a broad group of mental skills that enable people to complete tasks and interact with others. An executive function disorder can impair a person’s ability to organize themselves and control their behavior. However, executive function disorder is not a specific, standalone diagnosis or condition. Instead, neurological, mental health, and behavioral disorders, such as depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can affect a person’s executive function.

What is executive function disorder? Share on Pinterest Executive function disorder can affect a person’s ability to concentrate and manage time. Executive function skills help people complete tasks and interact with others. They include a range of skills, such as: planning and organization

concentrating and controlling mental focus

analyzing and processing information

controlling emotions and behavior

remembering details

managing time

multitasking

problem-solving An executive function disorder impairs some of these skills, which can affect a person’s ability to manage and organize themselves to achieve goals. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not recognize executive function disorder as a specific mental health condition. Instead, executive function issues are symptomatic of other neurological, mental health, and behavioral disorders. For example, depression may affect certain executive functions, such as memory, attention, and control of inhibitions. Alzheimer’s can sometimes severely impair executive function, and a person may no longer be able to drive, get dressed, or behave appropriately in social situations.

Symptoms People with executive function issues may have the following symptoms: trouble controlling emotions or impulses

problems with starting, organizing, planning, or completing tasks

trouble listening or paying attention

short-term memory issues

inability to multitask or balance tasks

socially inappropriate behavior

inability to learn from past consequences

difficulty solving problems

difficulty learning or processing new information Problems with executive function may lead to: poor performance at work or school

problems forming or maintaining relationships

mood issues

low self-esteem

avoidance of difficult tasks

low motivation or loss of interest in activities Executive function takes time to develop, so many of these behaviors are completely normal in young children. However, if these behaviors persist, they may indicate that the child has executive function issues.

How does it relate to ADHD? Share on Pinterest It is more common for a person to receive a diagnosis of ADHD during childhood than as an adult. ADHD is a developmental impairment of executive function that can cause hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Symptoms of ADHD can vary in type and severity but may include: fidgeting, restlessness, being unable to sit still, and talking excessively

acting without thinking and behaving in socially inappropriate ways

often interrupting other people’s conversations or activities

being prone to distraction or having a short attention span

making careless mistakes at work or in schoolwork

having difficulty organizing, completing, or focusing on tasks

general forgetfulness People with executive function issues may have ADHD. However, ADHD is not the only condition that can affect executive function.

Causes Conditions that can cause executive function issues include: ADHD

depression and anxiety

bipolar disorder

schizophrenia

obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

autism

Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia

Tourette’s syndrome

traumatic injuries to the brain Temporary causes of executive function issues can include: exhaustion

severe pain

stress

distracting environments

drug use

alcohol

severe boredom

Diagnosis Doctors can use a variety of tests to help assess a person’s executive function. In the Stroop task, for example, a person looks at the names of colors that appear in different colored inks. So, the word “red” may appear in green ink, and the word “yellow” may appear in blue ink. For each word, the person has to say what the ink color is, rather than the written color name. The Stroop task can help evaluate a person’s mental control and selective attention. Other tests that a doctor may use to assess executive function include: trail making tests

clock drawing tests

verbal fluency tests

card sorting tests If a doctor suspects a specific disorder, such as ADHD, they may skip executive functioning tests and instead compare the person’s symptoms with standard diagnostic criteria for that disorder. A doctor may sometimes also recommend additional testing to rule out other causes. For example, they may order an MRI scan to rule out a stroke or brain tumor in people with signs of dementia.

Treatment Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe medication to treat the cause of executive function disorder. The type of treatment will depend on the condition causing the executive function issues. Some neurological disorders, particularly dementia, are progressive. Although some treatments may help slow the disease, symptoms may continue to get worse over time. Many causes of executive function issues, however, are highly treatable. Treatment options may include: stimulant medications

antidepressants

antipsychotic medications

psychoeducation

occupational or speech therapy

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)