Executive Functioning Training for ADHD
- March 22, 2023
Executive function refers to a set of cognitive processes that help us plan, organize, initiate, focus, sustain, and shift attention, regulate emotions, inhibit impulses, and monitor and adjust behavior to achieve goals. Executive functioning deficits are a common feature of ADHD, and can result in difficulties with academic, social, and daily living skills.
Executive skills functioning training (ESFT) is a type of intervention that aims to improve executive function abilities in individuals with ADHD. ESFT is typically delivered in a one-on-one format and focuses on teaching specific skills that are related to executive function, such as time management, organization, planning, and problem-solving.
ESFT typically involves a series of structured and interactive sessions that are tailored to the individual needs of the person with ADHD. The intervention is typically provided by a trained therapist or coach, and may involve strategies such as modeling, role-playing, feedback, and goal-setting.
ESFT has been shown to be effective in improving executive functioning skills in children and adults with ADHD. The intervention can be provided as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a comprehensive treatment program that may also include medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support.
What are examples of ESFT?
There are various techniques and strategies used in Executive Skills Functioning Training (ESFT), and the specific interventions used will depend on the individual needs of the person receiving the training. Some examples of ESFT techniques and strategies include:
Goal-setting and planning: This involves teaching the person with ADHD to break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks and to create a plan to achieve those goals. This may involve the use of visual aids, checklists, and calendars.
Time management: This involves teaching the person with ADHD how to use their time more efficiently and effectively. This may include strategies such as prioritizing tasks, scheduling activities, and using timers and alarms.
Organization: This involves teaching the person with ADHD how to organize their environment and their belongings to reduce distractions and improve focus. This may include strategies such as creating a designated workspace, using filing systems, and decluttering regularly.
Self-monitoring: This involves teaching the person with ADHD to monitor their own behavior and performance, and to make adjustments as needed to improve their executive functioning skills. This may include strategies such as keeping a journal, using self-reflection exercises, and seeking feedback from others.
Problem-solving: This involves teaching the person with ADHD how to identify problems, generate possible solutions, and evaluate the effectiveness of those solutions. This may include strategies such as brainstorming, role-playing, and decision-making exercises.
Overall, ESFT is a flexible and individualized intervention that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each person with ADHD.
What if I have ADHD and OCD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are two distinct neuropsychiatric disorders that can co-occur in some individuals. Although they share some similarities in symptoms, the two disorders have different underlying mechanisms and require different treatments.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that affect daily functioning. Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty with organization, time management, and task completion, and may struggle to control their impulses or pay attention to details.
OCD, on the other hand, is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, intrusive, and distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that the individual feels compelled to perform to reduce anxiety or prevent harm. OCD can involve a wide range of obsessions and compulsions, such as fears of contamination, symmetry, orderliness, or checking behaviors.
While the two disorders are distinct, they can co-occur in some individuals, particularly in children and adolescents. Research suggests that up to one-third of individuals with OCD may also have ADHD, and vice versa. The co-occurrence of the two disorders may lead to more severe symptoms and functional impairment, and may require a more complex treatment approach.
Treatment for co-occurring ADHD and OCD typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD may exacerbate anxiety and OCD symptoms, so careful monitoring and adjustment of medication is needed. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), including exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective in treating both ADHD and OCD. In some cases, other medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed to treat OCD symptoms. A thorough evaluation and individualized treatment plan is crucial for managing co-occurring ADHD and OCD.
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