Executive Functions in Children with ADHD

Abstract

Executive functions (EFs) are a set of skills which manage and control thinking, emotions, and behaviors in new or complicated situations to achieve set goals. 1 The development of EFs starts in early childhood and continues until 20 to 25 years of age, and the most rapid EF development is from 3 to 5 years old. 2 EFs are extremely crucial in daily life, for good health and quality of life, learning ability, and life achievement, along with proper emotional, behavioral, and social functions in children. [3][4][5] Impairments in EFs lead to negative impacts in many ways, including physical health problems (obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia) [6][7][8][9] , mental health problems (substance dependence, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder) 10-14 , working and learning problems (learning disability, decreased productivity, and inability to maintain a job position) 15,16 , marriage problems (difficulty in maintaining good married life) 17 as well as threats toward public security (crimes, violence, negligent behaviors, and emotional outbursts). 18,19 As previously mentioned, executive dysfunctions which are frequently seen in pediatric psychiatric patients 9,20-25 include specific learning disorders, intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and ADHD.ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD is known to impact individuals in many areas of life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and social functions. 26 In the past, impaired EFs were considered to be the cause of ADHD symptoms and its negative consequences; however, at present, there is evidence that contradicts this. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe