Would you kindly give me a run-down on executive dysfunction? There is no reliable resources in my mother tongue and I question if my “I decide to go shower but don’t” and “I decide to sleep but don’t” qualify despite me being on my mobile instead of doing what I set my mind on and what I WANT to do. I’m often tired and want to sleep but instead keep chatting with people or browsing tumblr.

mentalillnessmouse:

Hey anon,

Thanks for your question! Executive dysfunction means that your brain doesn’t do executive functions quite right. Some executive functions include:

• planning 
• organization
• monitoring performance
• self-awareness
• multi-tasking
• problem solving 
• learning rules and social behavior
• motivation
• controlling your emotions
• concentrating
• taking in information

So that’s a lot of stuff. Sounds like it effects basically everything, right? Well, like a lot of mental health/psychiatric symptoms, executive dysfunction affects everyone differently and presents everyone different challenges.

This website is focused on brain injuries, but it has a lot of good information and a run down on how executive dysfunction can manifest itself in relation to each of the executive functions.

What you describe as “I want to shower but don’t” could definitely be due to executive dysfunction. Executive dysfunction often causes issues with initiating activities (like getting up to go shower) and organizing activities (figuring out what you need to have a shower, and doing it).

More executive dysfunction resources:

• one person’s description of how their executive dysfunction has affected their life and common symptoms
• how executive dysfunction can affect school
• executive dysfunction and ADHD
• some tips to deal with executive dysfunction
• good post explains a bunch of stuff about executive dysfunction
• cool metaphor explaining what executive dysfunction is like

If you think you’re having issues with executive dysfunction, I strongly suggest you talk to a therapist or other mental health professional. They can help you figure out exactly what’s going on and strategies for how to deal with executive dysfunction if that’s what you’re struggling with.

~mod Gwyn