Executive Dysfunction can make the seemingly simple things in life for the neurotypical individual a completely different experience for those struggling with it. There are common overlapping symptoms between executive dysfunction and ADHD, with many people misunderstanding how they are linked. We aim to shine a light on what exactly executive dysfunction is, how it links to ADHD, and what can be done to manage symptoms.
Executive Dysfunction Explained.
We all have executive functioning, it is a role that is performed by the frontal lobe area of our brains and is responsible for many actions that help us with our day-to-day behaviours, responsibilities, and general tasks.Â
Key executive functions include:
Prioritisation.
Emotional regulation.
Organisation.
Working memory.
Time management.
Self-censoring.
Attention.
Planning.
Multitasking.
Executive dysfunction, as the name suggests, happens when an individual has a problem performing some of the key executive functions listed above. It is not an independent diagnosis but rather something that is a symptom of ADHD and can lead to trouble performing at work, in school, and within social relationships.
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have executive dysfunction, although not all. However, the majority have trouble with the following clusters of executive functions:
Activation â including organising tasks and materials, estimating a timeframe, and getting started.
Focus â being able to find, attain, and shift attention when itâs needed.
Effort â sustaining motivation, regulating alertness, and processing speed.
Emotion â modulating feelings, in particular managing frustration.
Memory â using working memory and accessing recall.
Action â monitoring and regulating physical activity.
As explained, executive dysfunction is one of the symptoms of ADHD, as many other factors can cause the condition, including brain damage or trauma, degenerative brain diseases such as dementia, alcohol and substance misuse, stroke, concussion, autism spectrum disorder, multiple sclerosis, and many more.
Signs and Symptoms of Executive Dysfunction with ADHD.
There are impairments that those with executive dysfunction have, many involving core executive function tasks such as time management, organisation, and maintaining social relationships, possibly including the following scenarios:
Poor impulse control.
Difficulty verbalising thoughts.
Daydreaming or zoning out.
Getting easily distracted.
Difficulty focusing on one thing or focusing too much on it.
Not being able to think before speaking.
Finding it difficult to switch from one task to another.
Difficulty with verbal working memory.
Lack of motivation to start tasks
There are several overlapping symptoms between ADHD and executive dysfunction, which are mainly due to ADHD symptoms being directly correlated and stemming from executive function symptoms. Â
When Does Executive Dysfunction Tend to Show Up?
Studies suggest that executive functions start to develop around age two and fully develop between late 20s and early 30s, however, those with ADHD tend to be delayed by up to 40%, which means that they may think or act like someone younger. Certain executive functions, like cognitive flexibility, develop during early childhood by age 12. More complex functions, such as planning and goal-directed behaviour, develop in the late 20s.
The problem-solving executive function in someone aged 30 would typically be fully developed, but if that person has ADHD, they may find they struggle with problem-solving and feel behind their peers.Â
This particular example of problem-solving involves the ability to look at a problem from more than one angle, however, if you have executive dysfunction in this area, it can cause problems with flexible thinking, resulting in difficulty perceiving something from more than one angle.
Having these issues can cause difficulties in the workplace or classroom or even living independently, which can ultimately lead to shameful feelings about oneself, frustration, being misunderstood, and a general feeling of unhappiness as their peers move on to new heights around them.
How You Can Treat and Support Executive Dysfunction.
The impact that ADHD and executive dysfunction can have on you is profound, especially if not understood, treated, and supported. You can minimise the impact with treatment, including medication, which can help if you have been diagnosed with ADHD, utilising organisation tips such as breaking tasks down into small steps, using visual aids, alarms, and alerts, daily to-do lists, and written or verbal instructions. It can also be helpful to join peer support groups, where others who deal with similar issues can talk openly and help you feel supported. ADHD coaching is another effective way to help with executive functioning issues. An ADHD clinic such as Beyond, can help with physical techniques to practice, alongside emotional and psychological support.
People with ADHD do not necessarily have weaker or less effective executive functions; they struggle with the consistency of these functions. For example, they may experience periods of hyperfocus on tasks that interest them, while finding it difficult to sustain attention on tasks that donât capture their interest.
Supporting your executive functioning by creating systems that allow you to put coping skills into action is the best technique to utilise. You can do this by:
Externalising your to-do list so you can physically see it in the places you need it.
Setting up automated actions so you donât have to rely on your brain to remember.
Figuring out the right type of environment that allows you to focus, whether thatâs one type of environment or multiple.
Planning to do your most cognitively challenging work when you have the most energy and brain power or when your ADHD medication is most effective.
Reducing temptations and distractions by removing your phone from the room, making your task bigger than the distractions around you, and honouring the steps youâve put in place to get the work done.
Creating artificial consequences for projects that are long and tedious to spur you into action. This could be checking in with a colleague every week and setting goals that you intend to stick to. This way, youâre not solely reliant on your own motivation but the motivation to keep in check with others.
Finding order wherever you can to reduce chaos and reduce the burden on your executive functions.
Making processes enjoyable for yourself, giving credit to yourself, and accepting that setbacks are inevitable.Â
Our Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester Has a Team of Experts Who Can Help.
We are a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, filled with a team of experts who have walked the ADHD path and are adept in the care, advice, and support they give to their patients. Our clinic offers a comprehensive pathway to ADHD assessment and treatment, so whether itâs certain ADHD symptoms youâre struggling with, such as executive dysfunction, or you want answers to why you find life difficult sometimes, then we can help.
Contact our friendly team at our private ADHD clinic in Manchester today to start your journey.
