Executive Dysfunction

Overview

Executive dysfunction is a symptom that presents as disruption to the brain’s ability to manage information, create plans, and regulate emotions. It’s unfortunately all-too-common for executive dysfunction to be framed as a “character defect” like laziness, flakiness and inconsistency, or poor time management skills. Underlying disorders or conditions that might be present when observing executive dysfunction include:

• Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Depression

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntingon’s, and frontotemporal dementia

• Chronic stress

• Substance use, including Post-Acut Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)

• Nutritional deficiencies