This is part one in a series of videos talking about managing ADHD symptoms with medication. ADHD can be viewed as a disorder in executive functioning. Understanding this will help you make behavioral changes.
Executive function refers to a set cognitive or thinking skills that is responsible for
.Prioritizing
: Planning, organizing and prioritizinginitiating actions
Self-inhibition
Self-monitoring of your behavior
Being able to switch your attention between tasks
Working memory
Your executive functions are controlled by the frontal portion of your brain. This includes the frontal and basal ganglia, which are lower than the lobes. Your pre-frontal cortex also controls executive function.
Many conditions can affect your executive functioning. Depression and a traumatic head injury are two examples. Traumatic brain injuries are caused by an injury to the brain that causes damage to brain tissue. Executive functioning temporarily is affected by alcohol. If you suffer from a stroke in the frontal area of your brain, it can cause problems with certain functions.
ADHD medications Ritalin and Adderall, which are stimulants, work by increasing dopamine levels in the pre-frontal cortex. Many people still have difficulties with managing certain functions even after taking medication. Cognitive behavior therapy is a treatment that focuses on the management of some executive skills.
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Disclaimer: The information contained on this channel is intended for education purposes only and does not constitute specific/personal medical advice. The videos and the answers to questions/comments do not create a doctor-patient relationship. These videos may be helpful for you if you are a patient of your own doctor.
