Also known as executive function deficit or disorder, it’s often seen in people with ADHD.

Executive dysfunction isn’t an official diagnosis, but rather, a set of symptoms associated withADHD.

When someone has ADHD, they are likely to possess many or all of the symptoms of executive dysfunction.

Mother and daughter playing piano

MoMo Productions / Getty Images

It is also seen in people withautism.

However, if someone has executive dysfunction, that doesnt mean they have ADHD.

Roberts says that this is because other conditions can also cause executive dysfunction.

Roberts informs us that “executive dysfunction causes functional impairments in a persons daily life.

Let’s look at those in-depth.

Executive dysfunction can inhibit this entire process.

Being able to concentrate and focus is vital to being able to accomplish anything.

Those with executive dysfunction might have a harder time than other people regulating their emotions.

When you might’t regulate how you feel, it becomesvery hard to control how you behave.

This can lead to behavioral problems, and cause interpersonal conflicts.

As you become an adult, it becomes even more vital.

However, with executive dysfunction, these can feel like impossible tasks.

If a person just has problems in one area, they may not have executive dysfunction.

But if they struggle in multiple ways with the above, then chances are their executive functioning is lacking.

The signs of executive dysfunction look similar to the signs of ADHD.

Not having proper executive functioning can lead to a very challenging life.

That said, it’s not a lost cause.

Only they can determine what other condition may be leading to your executive dysfunction symptoms.

While executive dysfunction is most commonly sparked by ADHD, there are many other reasons it could occur.

It may co-occur with autism or be the result of abrain injury.

Next, utilizing the practitioners who diagnose you as a resource is a great idea.

There may be medications that can help you, or therapy might be the right choice.

It’s possible to live a great life when executive dysfunction is properly cared for.

Find out which option is the best for you.

Barkley RA.The important role of executive functioning and self-regulation in ADHD.

Rabinovici GD, Stephens ML, Possin KL.Executive dysfunction.Continuum (Minneap Minn).

2010;24(2):222-243. doi:10.1037/a0017619