Executive Function - What is That?!?

🧠What is Executive Function? How does it affect us? What happens if you have a dysfunction? On this episode of the Managing Mental Health Podcast, Jamie welcomes Dr. Jerrod Brown to begin a six-part series on executive function. Dr. Brown, an expert in forensic psychology, describes executive function as "the boss of the brain" - the system that guides our day-to-day behaviors, including decision-making, time management, and problem-solving. He explains that executive function impairments are common in people with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or autism, as well as those with head injuries, substance use issues, or who are involved in the justice system. However, he emphasizes that executive function impacts everyone's daily life, and simple factors like lack of sleep, poor diet, or a sedentary lifestyle can impair it.🎓Dr. Brown provides specific examples of how executive function deficits can manifest, such as chronic forgetfulness, trouble with time management, disorganized thinking, and poor impulse control. He also discusses the connection between executive function and IQ, noting that while they don't always align, low IQ typically comes with executive function impairments. The conversation touches on how lifestyle, biochemical, and even prenatal factors can contribute to these impairments.Dr. Jerrod Brown - 6-part series on executive functioning:1. Executive Function: Introduction and Overview2. Executive Dysfunction: Clinical and Forensic Considerations3. Executive Dysfunction: Implications for Poor Health Outcomes4. Executive Dysfunction: A Neuroscience Perspective - Neuroplasticity5. Executive Function: Self-regulation6. Executive Function: Healthy Lifestyle Practices/ Lifestyle medicineForensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals by Dr. Jerrod Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Mental-Health-Source-Professionals/dp/154713237XGet your Managing Mental Health ebook here: managingmentalhealth.net📗 Managing Everyday Anxiety📘 Managing Adult ADHD📙 Managing Everyday PTSD📙 Managing Clinical Depression✅ Join the #1 free community for mental health education and encouragement:https://www.skool.com/managing-mental-health-3053/about?ref=8ca4dc83b44b478689446364c28b82e4✨support and encouragement from a group of your peers (your community)✨thousands of free resources, workbooks, worksheets - all to boost mental well-being✨self-care routines like meditations, yoga, exercise, nutrition, & more✨weekly class on various mental health issues✨resources for family & friends of loved ones that struggle with mental health issues✨access to member only courses, retreats, and conferencesGet your paperback Managing Mental Health Journal (green or gray cover):📚 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDWG68SJ or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FD8FC7VS Support this channel:☕Buy me a coffee: https://coff.ee/managingmentalhealthSOCIALSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573891392359 IG: managing.mental.healthTT: ManagingMentalHealthFor individual Trauma Recovery Coaching with Jamie:Jamiehughes.onlinePlease like, subscribe, comment, and share with someone who can benefit from this episode, and hit the notification bell to stay tuned and to stay connected to this community of mental well-being as we all learn and grow together.