4: Executive (Dys)Function Flashcards

1
Q

What 3 aspects of ED are missing?

A

A biomarker, a clear neural mechanism, and efficient treatment.

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2
Q

What 3 processes are supported by executive function?

A

Inhibition of inappropriate behaviour, control of emotions, and planning and problem solving.

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3
Q

Which 2 aspects of problem solving are supported by executive function?

A

Visual imagery and verbal working memory.

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4
Q

What impairments in major life activities suggest executive function is separate from intelligence?

A

When IQ is regressed out, people with ADHD are still more likely to get suspended from school or fired, and less likely to graduate high school.

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5
Q

What impairments in social life suggest executive function is separate from intelligence?

A

When IQ is regressed out, people with ADHD have much higher rats of teen pregnancy and more social problems reported by parents.

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6
Q

In what disorders is ED a core symptom?

A

ADHD and frotnal lobe lesion.

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7
Q

In disorders is ED an additional symptom?

A

Schizophrenia, depression, dementia, basal ganglia lesion and Parkinson’s disease.

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8
Q

Give 4 examples of when ED can occur in healthy people.

A

When they are sleep deprived, stressed out, not physically fit, or exerting self-control.

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9
Q

In a clinical view, what is mismatched in ED?

A

Preserved intelligence and disability at real life tasks.

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10
Q

In a clinical view, what are the 4 key aspects of ED?

A

Disinhibited/inappropriate behaviour, inability to maintain goals and plan, emotional dysregulation, and lack of flexibility.

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11
Q

In a cognitive view, what are the 3 key aspects of executive function?

A

Inhibition, working memory, and flexibility.

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12
Q

In a cognitive view, when is executive function necessary?

A

For concentration, and for inhibiting an automatic response, which would be bad in some way.

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13
Q

Suggest 3 neuropsychological tests for executive function.

A

Stroop task, Wisconson card sorting task, and fluency test.

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14
Q

How is the WCST administered?

A

Participants are given a card and must decide which of 4 piles it belongs in, based on a rule they have to guess. Once they know the rule, it can be changed. Errors are counted.

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15
Q

How is a fluency test administered?

A

Participants are asked to generate as many words as they can beginning with one letter in 2 minutes. This is compared to the norm of 21.2 +/- 7.

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16
Q

Give 2 validity based problems with neuropsychological tests of executive function.

A

They may not predict all aspects of EF, such as emotional regulation, and they may not predict impairments in real life.

17
Q

Give 1 specificity based problem with neuropsychological tests of executive function.

A

Low scores in brain lesion patients can be due to other impairments independent of EF.

18
Q

Where do lesions causing ED typically occur?

A

Frontal cortex.

19
Q

Suggest 2 behaviour tasks that assess working memory.

A

Verbal item-recognition task and verbal 2-back task.

20
Q

The impact of which 2 hormones is evidenced by the oculomotor delayed response task?

A

Dopamine and noreinephrine.

21
Q

How is atomoxetine used in ADHD treatment?

A

It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which aids access to the optimal NE for working memory tasks.

22
Q

What is involved in cognitive rehabilitation?

A

Training working memory, compensatory strategies, and independence with daily living.

23
Q

What were the results of a meta-analysis on cognitive rehabilitation after stroke?

A

There were no significant effects on global executive function, working memory, activities of daily living, quality of life, or participation in vocational activities.

24
Q

What may be involved in cognitive rehabilitation with children?

A

Cognitive training (e.g. CogMed), sports, and pretend play.

25
Q

What were the results of a study on cognitive improvement of executive function with children?

A

Training helped most with kids with the lowest EF, and effects did not transfer between EF functions.

26
Q

What were the results of a meta-analysis on cognitive training in ADHD treatment?

A

Working memory improved, but there were limited effects on other symptoms.

27
Q

How might self-control resemble a muscle?

A

Cognitive depletion may occur, for example watching someone eat chocolate while you east radish makes you try less at an unsolvable puzzle.

28
Q

What were the results of a meta-analysis on Ritalin?

A

A single dose significantly improved memory, had no effect on EF, and caused sleep-deprived individuals to overestimate their performance.

29
Q

What were the results of a meta-analysis on Modafinil?

A

A single dose significantly improved attention and wakefulness, and improved
sleep deprived individuals’ EF.