executive function

Question 1

what are executive functions?

Answer 1

the ability:
be flexible despite autonomic behaviour to deal with the unexpected, multitask, think multidimensionally

other conceptualisations:
- volition (goal formulation, motivation, self/environmental awareness

• planning (conceptualise change, abstract thinking, impulse control, memory…)
• purposive action (initiative , maintain attention, flexible/non-routine)

Question 2

when are executive function required?

Norman & shallice, 1986

Answer 2

when dealing with:

planning decision making

error correction or trouble shooting

non-automatic or novel responses

dangerous or complicated responses

over coming habit or temptation

Question 3

important regions of the frontal lobe

Answer 3

primary motor cortex

non-primary motor cortex

• premotor cortex
• supplementary motor cortex

prefrontal cortex

• dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
• orbitalfrontal cortex
• mediofrontal cortex

Question 4

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

Answer 4

the DLPFC and its circuitry is involved in higher order cognitive operations

also implicated in the mediation of emotional, motivational and social behaviour

Question 5

damage to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may result in deficits in…

Answer 5

working memory

planning, task setting, and problem solving

sequencing

selective and sustained attention

preservation

inhibition

cognitive flexibility

Question 6

the orbitofrontal cortex

Answer 6

the OFC and ts circuitry is

involved in the mediation of emotional and social responses

responsible for executive processing of emotional stimuli

Question 7

damage to the orbitofrontal cortex may result in deficits in…

Answer 7

emotional lability (mood/emotional swings)

diminished social insight

socially inappropriate behaviour (lack of conversational skills)

difficulties with changing reinforcements

lack of sensitivity to future outcomes, +ve or -ve

lack of empathy

Question 8

the mediofrontal cortex

Answer 8

the MFC is beleived to support a number of overlapping functions

• response monitoring (control and monitoring of actions)
• error detection
• deciding between competing responses
• motivation or drive behaviour

Question 9

damage to the mediofrontal cortex may result in deficits in…

Answer 9

apathy (lack in interest and enthusiasm)

akinesia (loss of power in voluntary movement)

difficulty with emotion - flat affect

difficulty with decision making

diminished verbal output