Living with Executive Dysfunction

Every day, we all perform tasks that require us to plan and organise various things, remember instructions and focus on specific happenings. While most people are able to carry out these tasks due to good executive function skills, some have difficulty coping with tasks that require goal-directed behaviour, since they may be struggling with executive dysfunction.

What is Executive Dysfunction?

Executive dysfunction refers to a set of symptoms that indicate that one has difficulty with memory, attention, organisation, time management, emotional regulation, problem-solving and flexible thinking. These are symptoms that are often seen among those with ADHD, autism or learning disabilities. 

Understanding Executive Dysfunction and its Impact

Executive functioning is essential to our daily lives. One sign of executive dysfunction is difficulty prioritising tasks, which may in turn lead to one struggling to meet deadlines. As mentioned earlier, problems with paying attention and remembering are also common among those with executive dysfunction. One may also find that they are chronically late to events, meetings, school or work. 

Evidently, executive function skills make up a huge part of our professional and social lives. In a work environment, for example, constantly being late to meetings or frequently missing deadlines may come off as unprofessional and lead to a diminished social image. Difficulty with emotion regulation and impulse control, and behavioural outbursts can also take a toll on one’s relationships. 

Moreover, one may experience frustrations on a personal level when they have a hard time completing tasks and meeting goals. It is often seen that someone who is putting effort into overcoming their symptoms may feel dejected and experience self-doubt. 

It is important to note, though, that if one is struggling with just one of the symptoms mentioned, it is unlikely that they have executive dysfunction. In fact, psychologists often use various screening tools such as the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale, Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale and Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory to check one’s executive function skills. 

Coping with Executive Dysfunction

It goes without saying that a support system and more empathetic and understanding social systems would help an individual healthily cope with executive dysfunction. But professional help plays a big role in helping an individual overcome such challenges. This is because a qualified psychologist may be able to guide them and help with their specific symptoms with individualised treatment. 

Cognitive behaviour therapy is effective in helping individuals recognise and address unhelpful patterns of thought and behaviour, while managing emotions effectively and working towards establishing routines. 

On a personal level, it helps to break down large tasks into smaller, more comprehensive ones and also to ask for help when needed. Acknowledging progress, encouraging yourself to move forward and taking breaks when necessary are also important.

NOTE: This article was originally written for The Mind Garden.