Executive Function Puns

I read somewhere recently that executive functioning is not just about being organized or deadlines or being on time. That executive functioning can also present itself as not being able to start something because you don't know how it will turn out, or out of fear that it won't be what like what you thought it would be. Like putting up resistance to things.

Does that make sense? Does anyone else experience this? I was in tears all morning because I just couldn't find it in me to start anything. It's frustrating and confusing.

I originally found this list on Tumblr, but it seems comprehensive enough to share here.

Note that these are methods described as successful by others, not professionals or therapists.

• The “getting it done in an unconventional way” method.
• The “it’s not cheating to do it the easy way” method.
• The “fuck what you’re supposed to do” method.
• The “get stuff done while you wait” method.
• The “you don’t have to do everything at once” method.
• The “it doesn’t have to be permanent to be helpful” method.
• The “break the task into smaller steps” method.
• The “treat yourself like a pet” method.
• The “it doesn’t have to be all or nothing” method.
• The “put on a persona” method.
• The “act like you’re filming a tutorial” method.
• The “you don’t have to do it perfectly” method.
• The “wait for a trigger” method.
• The “do it for your future self” method.
• [The “might as well” method.](https://compassionateremi

so i recently got an Amazon Show, and it’s AMAZING for my executive function in general. i’ve also had an absurdly difficult time eating enough because i struggle with eating on time. i cook my food, let it “cool down” (for like two hours), reheat, and repeat until i finally get dinner or throw it away. but tonight? it dawned on me.

“alexa, remind me to eat dinner in ten minutes”

oh my god. it’s so simple! it’s SO simple! now i just need to remember to do it every time i make dinner 😅

Help and advice needed.

Like many people, I spent 16 months working at home in the pandemic. It was AMAZING. Since I was alone in my home, executive functioning issues (like whether I washed my hair recently or not) had no impact on my ability to work. Can't get myself to put on "real" clothes? Who cares! Need to self soothe by having a dance break during a (camera off) meeting? No one has to know!

I got a new job in early summer. Everyone is vaccinated, we're all expected to be in the office, I enjoy the work and the people, no complaints. But.

I somehow have lost the ability to get up in the morning, make myself presentable, and get to the office on time. There have been some polite comments about my timing being "inconsistent," and this morning my boss sent my a polite text noting that my tardiness was becoming a problem and asking if there was anything he could do.

I don't know how to fix this. I'm embarrassed about being late, and that people are noticing. I feel like I'm just failing to get my shit together. I know that part of it is that I dread driving. Part of it is the effort involved in morning "office friendly" grooming and dressing. Part of it is just that the cats are cuddly in the morning and my bed is cozy.

I really like this job, and I feel like I'm sabotaging myself.

Help.

Edit: cars being cuddly is a strange mental image, I meant my cats.

EFFECTS OF BLOOD GLUCOSE ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTION

Neurons love glucose, but blood serum glucose concentrations don’t influence intraneuronal glucose concentrations:

GLUT3 has a low Km for glucose of 1.6 mM. It transports glucose into brain cells at a rate that is independent of the plasma level of glucose.

GLUT1 has a low Km for glucose of ∼2 mM. It is responsible for glucose transport across the bbb at a rate that is independent of the plasma level of glucose.

Brain “fog” is a constellation of symptoms that include reduced cognition, inability to concentrate and multitask, as well as loss of short and long term memory. Inflammation in the CNS caused by microglia cells is known to be a causal factor for brain “fog”.

High glucose condition increases NADPH oxidase activity in endothelial microparticles that amplify endothelial inflammation

Multiple inflammatory cytokines and mediators in the CNS are induced by high glucose treatment via the key signaling pathways. High glucose induced expression of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species in cultured astrocytes.

Acute blood glucose fluctuation enhances rat aorta endothelial cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in vivo

Fructose is worse: “Change in CRP was also significantly higher in subjects consuming fructose compared with those consuming glucose (P < 0.05), but not sucrose (P = 0.07).”

EFFECTS OF NUTRIENT SENSING PATHWAYS

Although adequate nutrition is essential for optimal neural activity and survival, mild energy restriction may improve cognition and prolong longevity.

Energy status is monitored by the cellular AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) system, whereas leptin regulates total energy balance.

We investigated the roles of AMPK and leptin in cognition and survival under diet restriction (DR).

Hippocampal AMPK activity increases with energy restriction.

Catecholamine neurons likely convey caudal hindbrain input to hypothalamic AMPK.

Fasting regimens more effectively reduced C-reactive protein than energy-restricted diets.

Acute fasting increases somatodendritic dopamine release in the ventral tegmental area

Elevated blood glucose and insulin levels are the most potent deactivors of AMPK, seconded by mTOR activating amino acids such as leucine

Dhillon et al. found that a lunch relatively high in fat, with the majority of its energy com

This is my main issue with concerta, the inconsistency of executive function it gives me.

Some days I can start and finish any chore or school assignment thrown at me while on Concerta, other days it feels like my executive function is almost worse than non medicated.

I’ve tried multiple doses of everything from 18mg-108mg and here’s my run down

18mg - nothing but suppressed appetite (suppressed appetite on all doses)

36mg - minimal focus improvement and anxiety

54mg (my prescribed dose) - medication completely effective some days, other days it’s debilitating

72mg - hyperfocus first time trying, other times trying resulted in extreme focus for first 2 hours and then proceeds to function as a 54, effectively medicated or it’s unimproved

90mg - spacey (I don’t remember much, I only took this dose once)

108mg - Great from anywhere from 2 to 6 hours and then terrible executive function, though the drug is still in my system as I can “feel” it.

I try to remain consistent with my routine to get best effects from Concerta, but it’s still so inconsistent.

Any thoughts if I should switch off Concerta or not?

I’m just curious. I have a hard time explaining it to people without adhd I can’t really put it into words.

For example say I need too hone in and focus on some calculus homework or read a few questions for another class. Or even just wanting to read a book, you get it.

I explain it is like I can’t breathe or I’m physically drowning in gravity. There’s not only a mental wall of exhaustion and overwhelmingness but my whole body is extremely uncomfortable. I have to move my arms and legs, fidget etc and even then it’s hard to focus. It’ll take all my energy to watch a 5 minute video on something I’m not interested in. Honestly the best way I can describe it is when you try to put two north or south poled magnets together. There’s an unseen powerful resistant but if you put an immense amount of brute force and energy you might be able to get them together, but for only as long as you can hold it.

I’m just curious how it is for you and how you’d describe it.

My appointment is next week and the doctor requested that I bring in my grade school report cards to the appointment. I've known this for weeks and I've put it off nevertheless (even though I know that bringing the report cards is KEY to getting the help I need). Long story short, I called today, and they require 7-10 business days to turn over the report cards, which is after my appointment...

Oh well, at least I already ordered the report cards so I can bring them in at a later appointment.

I’m currently on leave from work for Christmas and enjoying the newfound executive function that my new adderall XR prescription offers.

But when it wears off after 8 hours… oof. I have some relaxing things I’d like to enjoy, but the executive function to initiate them just ain’t there.

So here I am sitting on the stairs writing this on Reddit instead of, like, taking a shower and playing video games.

F anyone who’s like “wish I had a stimulant prescription, I’d be so productive” like sure yeah that’s part of it, but a major wonder is just how much it helps me relax.

I was on SSRIs for about a year, and had debilitating brain fog and reduction in executive functioning. So much so that I had to stop it even with the risk of getting really depressed. So far I am not back to depression though my aches and pains which had gone away during SSRI's are back.

The articles I have read on SSRI and executive functioning present conflicting conclusions. Some say SSRIS help improve executive functioning in patients with depression, but some say that it REDUCES executive functioning in depression patients by reducing the activity in the dorsal and medial prefrontal cortex. What is the truth ? Lived experience ? Mine seems to be on the latter side

At the age of 27! I am learning mathematical tables. And I am able to remember and recall. Yet I don't have self control around food. That's another goal.

It has recently come to my attention that it is not normal to consistently forget basic tasks, fail to initiate tasks even though you are very enthusiastic about starting them, and give yourself a week to complete an assignment because you can’t tell if it will take you an hour or a day.

I saw my brother procrastinating on college homework and assumed he had the same problems as me: he forgot about that assignment or got distracted or didn’t give himself enough time or his brain got stuck and he couldn’t do the thing.

But then I talked to him and found out that he wasn’t procrastinating because his brain was stuck- he just didn’t want to do the assignment.

So do most people not have these troubles? Do most people not plan out every single outing? Do most people not forget to take their meds and their midterm test?

It baffles me to think that things could be so easy if my brain were different.

You say ADHD and people automatically think distractibility. What they don't get is: why that matters. Maybe they figure out that that slows you down, but just be persistent, right? You'll get there eventually, they say.

.

If I'm bothering to explain about ADHD and faulty executive functioning, what I want them to know about are the consequences I suffer. I want them to know that ADHD/EFD isn't some funny joke about a jittery kid who has to turn and look at every car passing by. I want them to realize that there are serious, shitty consequences for adults.

I want to let them see what it's like to live a life where your failure to do an easy two-minute job results in a mess that takes days or months worth of income or other effort to clean up. Where you knew about the consequences and you had all the tools to do it, and you just... didn't. And this happens endlessly, in every area of your life, resulting in consequences like:

• giving up on parenthood or having pets because you know from experience that you will be neglectful no matter how much you love and care about them
• unresolved dental problems that you know would only cost a few hundred today, and you know you won't address them until you're in agony and it costs thousands of dollars or lost teeth to fix
• repeated missed appointment fees from providers who refuse to continue seeing you
• severe complications of failing to treat chronic health conditions despite having access to doctors, medication, and other therapies
• losing valuable friendships because of social difficulties or not keeping in touch
• unable to follow through on making complaints or change to a different provider when you've been mistreated or abused
• watching your car and other possessions get irreparably damaged from lack of required maintenance
• unable to find important legal documents when you need them, resulting in failure to get access to social programs and other benefits you're entitled to
• locking yourself out in dangerous conditions on more than one occasion
• being ashamed to invite others to your house because it isn't just messy, it's gross
• bills going to collections and credit cards being canceled due to continual non-payment despite the fact that you had money to pay them
• regularly being dangerous behind the wheel due to inattention or sleep deprivation but already running so behind that you can't use alternatives
• a history of legal trouble from dri

I am a 30 year old adult who struggles with Complex-PTSD due to childhood abuse both at home and at school.

I recently started treatment with a therapist and psychiatrist who administered me Aderrall and some other medication. But I wonder if there is anything more I can do that has helped anyone else in my situation to improve their executive function skills. Thank you.

Hello everyone!

I'm a psychologist and researcher who had the pleasure of finding this community when I myself was diagnosed over a year ago.

I am currently working on a graduate thesis project regarding the effect of executive function deficits & reduced empathy on the quality of life of adults with ADHD as well as those with subclinical ADHD traits. The more participants the better we can understand these phenomena.

You will not be asked for any identifiable information, only a unique memorable code. Confidientality and anonymity are abided by throught the entriety of the study.

If you have 15 minutes to spare, please follow the anonymous link provided below and complete the questionnaire. Included in the study info is my contact information, as well as my research supervisor's, should you want to withdraw your data, or would like to know the results of the study.

https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gfJriSlviNq9Mi

TL;DR: Study on the effect of certain ADHD traits on quality of life needs participants. Survey is anonymous and takes around 12-15 mins to complete.

...People still say ADHD is just "being lazy" and wanting to "play video games all day instead of doing actual work" or insert whatever hobby.

I'm in fact able to much better organise my work because of external pressure (not an ideal strategy either).

Feat the internal classic from my mother Have You Tried Pulling Yourself Together

I just don't know how to deal with this constant misunderstanding and this disease eating away at the time I have in my life.

My ADHD symptoms seem to be getting worse the last few weeks. I have such intense brain fog for the majority of the day, and forcing myself to start tasks is genuinely like pulling teeth. It feels like I'm in a battle with my own brain.

I'm a PhD student working on my dissertation and worked from home during most of the pandemic. However, recently got access to my office again. For the sake of structure (and separation of work and life) I tried sticking to a routine of going into my office from about 10am-5pm each day, to work on my research, answer my emails, plan course content, etc.

It seemed to help for awhile but lately nothing seems to be working anymore. It is SO HARD for me to start some of my tasks and I feel so groggy from around 11am to 4pm for an inconceivable reason? Which are prime working hours. WHY AM I SO DAMN TIRED even when I sleep well, eat a nutritious breakfast, take my vitamins, and check every box that is supposed to help. It's also very tedious to have to plan and pack meals to bring to my office with me because my brain fog gets so much worse whenever my blood sugar is even slightly low.

I also have difficulty with impulse control and social media. Even when I'm in my office I compulsively open Facebook, Reddit, whatever, close the tab, the open it again a few minutes later. I even deleted the apps off my phone (which helped) but still check them on my laptop. It genuinely feels like an obsessive compulsion and I don't feel fully in control of my own actions, which is a terrible feeling. I sometimes use the Forest App on my browser to block certain webpages.

I'm on 18mg of Concerta. It does make me somewhat more alert, but task initiation still feels impossible lately. Do I need to consider upping my meds? Hadn't wanted to because I also have trouble with sleep and anxiety.

I use the Pomodoro timer technique, Forest app to keep my phone away from me. I'm at a loss here because it feels like none of my tricks are helping anymore.

Do other people not struggle like this? It's mind boggling to me to imagine that neurotypical people don't struggle with basic functioning in this way. It's been my reality for so long but my work is very demanding and frankly I don't know how I've made it this far but I'M REALLY TIRED AND FRUSTRATED that my brain won't just do what "normal peoples'" brains seem to do without all consuming inner turmoil.

Are there actually people out there in the world who don't feel like this or is everyone just f

do you have any tipps or strategies to help with your executive function you'd like to share? both short term and in the long run.

been struggling hard with it for the last couple of days and looking for ideas.

At what point did you consult your neuro and/or seek treatment for executive function and memory that has declined?

I don't know how much is due to MS, and how much is due to the craziness of managing three preschoolers, far too often on broken sleep to boot. I am hesitant to bother bringing it up, and yet I wonder if there's something out there that would help me such as meds normally used for ADHD.

So, if this has been a route you've taken, what has your experience been?

First, I pull out of a parking lot, but don’t notice the two rather large speed bump that are completely road colored, but also noticeably elevated. I probably bottomed our my car, but hopefully nothing serious was damaged because of it.

Right after that, I mean to make the left at a stop light, but for some reason my brain says “go all the way to the left to make the left.” So I end up in the wrong lane because of this, and a guy almost pulls into my. The light turns green for me right after luckily, and I pull out without issue.

Finally, the whole 20-minute drive, I miss/ don’t process two stop signs, don’t notice the road merges at one point, and almost drive straight into another car when they had eight of way. I don’t know what the hell has happened to my executive function and attention lately, but I’m freaking out a bit. Mind you, I’m not tired or drunk or anything, my mind has been seemingly getting worse like this for months, but I’ve never had an incident like this before.

I'm laying in bed crying because I'm too lazy to do anything that needs done, it's all too overwhelming. I'm too annoying for people to want me around, if they don't ghost me without explanation they yell at me for being too loud or cutting them off in conversation then won't talk to me anymore. I can't explain it to them cause I can't even explain it to myself. Healthcare professionals have told me I'm not ADHD because "they would know, it would be obvious".

Earlier this month I lost my job. I was being bullied by coworkers, they constantly excluded me or yelled at me and was told to just deal with it myself by management, I had no support system. I couldn't get myself out of bed in the morning resulting in too many sick days, it was like I was paralyzed. The reason they gave when they laid me off was because "I didn't seem happy anymore."

I recently found a new job, but I'm terrified I'm going to start over the repeating cycle again and there is nothing I can do about it. I'm unable to switch between tasks or complete them. Do I ask too many questions? I get bored of tasks when they are no longer interesting to me. What makes them like me at first and gradually dislike me and gossip to each other behind my back about how annoying I am.

To me, my ADHD is obvious, but I cannot coherently explain that in conversation, it's like my memory fails me when I need it. I can't seem to get help. Writing all this out took me 1 hours that felt like 5. I have a million things to do but I can't get out of bed. I don't know what I expect to get out of typing this out. I'm having a really hard time...

Hi everyone- long time lurker, first time poster. I’m in search of a ritual that can help improve executive function.

I was diagnosed late in life with ADHD, and going on meds have made a world of difference. But now I’m looking to get pregnant. My doctor has recommended discontinuing meds while I’m pregnant or trying to get pregnant, as they’re associated with negative outcomes. Of course, if things go bad, I can always evaluate the risks and get back on them, but I’d rather not have to take the risk.

I recognize that magic and ritual isn’t a replacement for medicine, but the placebo effect is real, and combined with a few other non pharmacological interventions, could get me to the other side of this. So- are there any rituals that you do when you need to boost your motivation or attention? Any help is appreciated.

And it has been a stressful year anyway, a close friend of mine died recently, and I just wanted to chill and take my time getting ready for Christmas Eve Mass at 5:30, and not have to GO anywhere when I literally shopped and planned over the course of the last couple of months precisely so I wouldn't have to!

I did manage to wrangle my way out of the threatened outing, and will have today to get ready for people who want to drop gifts by tomorrow. These are the same people my roommate thought we were going to need to go visit today. Last night I became upset when roommate sprang that on me late, and I had to do damage control for the ranting I did.

But people just don't get it, how preparing to go places, or trying to clear the stuff off the sofa, or whatever, that should be a minor thing for NT folk, for me/us has a gazillion little fussy steps, decisions, things to remember (and what order to remember them in). It leaves me feeling so frazzled and I'd rather see people sometime other than a holiday because of it. And right now I just want some down time and some spiritual reflection time.

I know it’s a common occurrence with adhd to be sort of paralysed when you want to do a task but you can’t get up no matter how much you yell at yourself inside.

But like for example I’ve been struggling to get out of bed all day. It’s 6pm I’m still laying here. I had a plan. I get up take a shower and make my own food but I’ve just got a text saying dinner is ready. I didn’t have any say in anything I spoken to no one all day. My plan is completely out the window now and I’m stressed and can’t move even more. It’s making me really anxious and stressed to the point I feel like I want to break down.

Is this also a normal part of adhd? I ask because I’m also looking into an Autism diagnosis too so figuring out the differences with how function works or with a possible comorbidity. If I do have autism on top of adhd is this a case of adhd functioning issues along with unexpected plan changes causing a brewing meltdown?

It’s hard trying to figure out everything and it doesn’t help that the past few days my meds have been taken at the wrong time later because i keep sleeping through my usual time. I can see and feel the negative difference it’s like I’ve not taken them at all and it’s honestly so overwhelming.

I guess what I’m asking is does anyone relate to this or am I just being over dramatic?

My anxiety is through the roof right now so posting this is terrifying for some reason. Weirdly enough just typing and about to post it helped to sort of push myself to sit on the edge of my bed so at the very least I know I can get up now.

I hate my brain and it’s lack of normal functioning. I’m going to try and shower now.

Does anyone happen to know whether the DRC or the CWC offer any kind of therapy or support groups for ADHD or executive function issues? Also interested in off campus support info too, in case anyone has had positive experiences that make the cost worthwhile.

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More of a rant than a question… My doc is wondering if I even have ADHD because I failed my first med. I know I have off the charts anxiety that is for the most part kept under control by ADHD meds in general (was on concerta and now Intuniv). I feel like imposter syndrome is hitting hard since she questioned the diagnosis. I feel like adhd finally explains why I’ve felt so broken most of my life- needless to say I’ve always felt like I wasnt NT. Is it adhd or anxiety causing the executive dysfunction that two meds so far haven’t touched? To me if the anxiety has largely disappeared it’s not what is causing the continued executive dysfunction…

anyone got any experience with this and can give some examples?

found the idea in some other thread:

“It's important to remember many of the symptoms of ADHD are learned behaviors that we have because of an underlying issue. Mainly an executive function that doesn't work the same as others.

This is why medication doesn't fix all our issues. It can mitigate the underlying issues making learning good behaviors doable. Like if you were born with no arms, if you woke up one day with arms it doesn't mean you'd know how to snap your fingers, but it would give you the ability to learn to snap your fingers.

People with ADHD can pick up on good behaviors, like keeping things tidy. It is just less common since our brains are generally trying to pull is in other directions”

i feel like yeah i agree the meds help but they don’t just fix things and i need to know what to work on that i might not even know is a maladaptive behavior

Starting this sub to support people who either enjoy chess, or want to explore chess, who also have ADHD.

Chess requires skills such as working memory, extended focus, concentrating while being relatively static, and often requires extensive time reading relatively dry texts to improve understanding of the game.

Paradoxically, ADHD impairs these exact parts of the brain that are used for these skills - called executive function.

Merde...

• Want to play with other people with this brain?
• Want to discuss and develop strategies for play or study?
• Want to discuss impact of meds on chess specific executive function?
• Want to hyperfocus on chess again for a while?

Let's go...

So I used to be a pretty antsy person. My anxiety was bad and would spike up at the smallest inconvenience. My emotions would go absolutely wild whether it was grief, euphoria, anger, anxiety and such. It would be beyond overwhelming.

Now I can confidently say that what used to be a crashing wave of emotions that would wipe you out and drown you is now a small, gentle one. The kind that gets your feet wet while you’re sitting on the sand but nothing more. This feeling of relief from emotional imbalance is probably the biggest difference I can see so far.

Haven’t had any overwhelmingly negative thoughts either, things that would send me into a dark hole of despair now just kinda make me go “oh well. lol “ which is nice.

On the “negative” side:

My focus and executive function are still questionable. I find myself more prone to be even more disinterested in doing anything that is non-stimulating to me.

Another thing is that I feel more hyper aware/bolder? Like more confrontational but not necessarily in an aggressive way, just like, fearless of the consequences? Lol. For example, there was this guy at a bar that was practically bullying another for a drink. Usually I don’t even notice these situations and If i do, I just walk away, but in this particular one for whatever reason I felt compelled to literally walk through the crowd to get the guys face and just tell him to “shut the fuck up” with a straight face. He opened his mouth to say something and I was like “No. Shut it. You’re being fucking stupid.” They kinda just all stared at me and had his massively puzzled look. Afterwards I just walked away with my drink.

My friends saw the exchange and they were concerned for my safety as these were significantly larger and possibly inebriated men and also commented how this is an “unnatural” behavior. I just kinda shrugged it off and enjoyed my night.

In hindsight, this made me concerned because I find myself wanting to confront people more often. And I’m worried I’m going to actually get myself in some shit one of these days 😂

Lol. Anyways, that’s my 5 week update. Stay tuned.

Accidentally found something that really helps with my executive function and wanted to share in case it could be helpful for any of you!

One of my biggest hurdles executive function wise is making myself food. My husband usually helps me with breakfast and lunch and then we often will do dinner together. He recently started going back into his work office 2 days a week and I’ve developed a very bad habit of just not really eating on those days. This makes me feel terrible (physically and mentally) so I’ve been trying hard to break the cycle.

Yesterday I was telling my husband that I really wanted to make myself a salad but I was really struggling with executive function and that the thought of making the salad was so overwhelming to me. He very kindly said: “You can do it! Just take the box of lettuce out of the fridge and put a handful in a bowl. Get some tomatoes out and wash them, then cut them up how you like and throw them in the bowl. Grab a lemon, wash it, cut it up, and juice it over your salad. Finally, add some olive oil! And you’ve got your salad!”

For whatever reason, having someone else say the exact steps out loud made it feel so much less overwhelming and much more doable. I had him repeat what he said two more times and then I snapped out of my paralysis and made my freakin’ salad!

Is this already a thing??? It REALLY surprised me how helpful it was.