BEHAVIORS: Diminished executive function (poor executive control)?

[BPDFamily.com]

People affected by Borderline Personality Disorder generally have diminished executive functions.

Executive functions and cognitive control are terms used by psychologists and neuroscientists to describe a loosely defined collection of brain processes whose role is to guide thought and behavior in accordance with a persons goals or plans.

Often the executive functions are invoked when it is necessary to override immediate stimuli that may be in conflict with the goals or plans.

For example, on being presented with an insult, the automatic response might be to retaliate. However, where this behavior conflicts with internal plans (such as wanting to be "level headed") , the executive functions could engage to inhibit the retaliation.

[Skip]

People affected by Borderline Personality Disorder generally have diminished executive functions.

Executive functions and cognitive control are terms used by psychologists and neuroscientists to describe a loosely defined collection of brain processes whose role is to guide thought and behavior in accordance with a persons goals or plans.

Often the executive functions are invoked when it is necessary to override immediate stimuli that may be in conflict with the goals or plans.

For example, on being presented with an insult, the automatic response might be to retaliate. However, where this behavior conflicts with internal plans (such as wanting to be "level headed") , the executive functions could engage to inhibit the retaliation.

[GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT]

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT This board is intended for general questions about BPD and other personality disorders, trait definitions, and related therapies and diagnostics. Topics should be formatted as a question. Please do not host topics related to the specific pwBPD in your life - those discussions should be hosted on an appropraite [L1] - [L4] board. You will find indepth information provided by our senior members in our workshop board discussions (click here).

[ozzy]

This makes perfect sense to me. My executive functions have been "out of order" for the duration of my relationship with a potential BP.

I do feel though that with my search for answers and eventual stumbling upon this forum, the bigger perspective has forced me to review my own habits and understand that I have been a willing participant and "dance partner".

I believe that this is why many refer to their experience as an important component in their own journey's as ultimately, with improved understanding, we become better people in our own right and learn the value of executive control.

Anyone who, in hindsight, regrets their involvement with a person who demonstates these behaviours is unfortunately missing this opportunity for personal growth.

I understand that this question was asked in the context of the person with the disorder, I am simply suggesting that we can take on this characteristic when enmeshed as well.

[Randi Kreger]

This is also sometimes called impulse control--impulsiveness being one of the defining characteristics of BPD. This is biologically based. When you're talking about "biologically based," it means either or both:* The chemical brain--neurotransmitters and such.* The physical brain--what you can hold in your hand in a labImpulsivity can be passed genetically and is associated with many BPD traits, including rage, emotional instability, suicidal thoughts, and self-injury. Impulsiveness + rage= impulsive aggression or the "border-lion," which I talk about in my new book, The Essential Family Guide to Borderline Personality Disorder. Warmly,Randi

[lbjnltx]

my daughter, 14 was diagnosed odd at age 10.5, emerging BPD at age 12, mdd at age 12 and developed psychotic features at 13... .the therapist at the rtc she was in for 9.5 months suspected she may have add/adhd... .we began neurofeedback therapy a few weeks ago... .had the tova test where my d14 scored "borderline adhd"... .she is much more "impulsive" than hyper or attention deficit.  we will see if the therapy makes a big difference.

lbjnltx

[LaoWho]

My ex-wife's executive function and impulse control capacities are completely undermined when she drinks, and I do mean completely. When not drinking (during the day or if she has to drive), these otherwise comport with standard BPD behavior, which I suppose is something of a conundrum. For example, when she leaves work to pick up her boy-toy for the weekend stay at her house, she is obviously exercising an appropriate (for her) level of executive function. But when she hits on and kisses a married friend of forty years under the influence of his Lord Calvert, maybe not so much. I really dunno where the executive function begins and ends with BPD, except of course that it certainly ends with her drinking, and as she does this every night I suppose the loss of EF began sooner, as a symptom of her BPD.

LW

[mistyclouds]

In recent years, neuropsychologists have located a set of brain areas located in the frontal lobe (around the forehead) of humans that support self-control processes. These so-called “executive functions”, which were the last bit of our brain to evolve, involve the ability to plan, inhibit, or delay responding. Whenever someone must focus hard on a task and ignore distractions, this area is particularly active. The extent to which these areas of the brain light up predicts a lot of important outcomes, including whether people are likely to follow the rule norms of society, resist a wide variety of temptations, and engage in risky behaviors. Executive control even predicts the ability to resist the urge to eat M&M’s when on a diet

www.counsellingcentral.com/why-dont-we-all-cheat-on-our-partners-the-importance-of-executive-control/

Now it makes more sense... .and is more worrying

[Violet719]

Why is it that many BPD's seem to be unable to logically reason out the consequences of their decisions, even though they may be intelligent and successful? For instance, they think they can spend all their money and somehow they will magically get more, or they can stay up all night and somehow they will get through work the next day (and the next and the next), or they can abuse the rules of etiquette (as well as their loved ones) and "it will be fine."  These kinds of things should be no-brainers.  But even smart BPD's seem to lose their ability to reason or plan ahead.  What triggers this?  My uBPDD18 breezed through two semesters of calculus and chemistry.  She can make a coherent logical argument in a well written essay.  She can take care of her horse, plan his training and care, and pay his board on time. She can obviously reason - but only some of the time.  When a personal relationship isn't working, or when she wants something and wants it NOW, all reasoning seems to disappear.  It goes way beyond normal 18 year old impulsivity or emotional immaturity.  She can lie to my face, knowing that I know the truth, and still continue to lie.  Once she insisted that a pair of guy's shoes next to her door were not guy's shoes, and another time that a bent rim on the car wasn't bent.   She will lie when there is nothing to gain by it, and she will spend every penny on anything she wants, even knowing that more bills are coming up.  Sure, everyone does irrational things some of the time, but usually we know when we've done it and most likely we will admit it and face the consequences.  She doesn't even know.  But she can do calc problems or debate religious philosophies.  How does that happen?

[lbjnltx]

pwBPD, high functioning ones, can operate in a "normal" capacity when emotions are not involved... .when emotions are involved... .that is when trouble strikes

[Randi Kreger]

Hi there. I am wondering if anyone here feels they have poor executive functioning?

Executive functioning is the new “hot” umbrella term used by teachers, counselors, and parents to describe a range of learning and attentional problems. Recent neuroscientific research on children and adults implicate failed executive functions, or their lack of engagement, not only in school-related performance issues, but in dysregulated emotional states experienced by those without executive function deficits. Such states are characterized by limited capacity for thought and reflection and automatic, reflexive reactions (Ford, 2010), similar to children with executive function deficits.

Executive functioning is slow to fully develop. It emerges in late infancy, goes through marked changes during the ages of 2 through 6, and does not peak until around age 25. Adolescents’ limited executive functions are out of sync with their emerging freedom, sense of autonomy, intense emotions and sexual drive, failing to equip them with the reins needed to for appropriate restraint and good judgment during this time of temptation. When teens are unable to put the brakes on, they need parents to set external limits and be the stand-in for their underdeveloped executive functions.

Similarly, children with executive function deficits need external cues, prompts and reinformcements to supplant the self-regulatory functions they are lacking internally (Barkley, 2010).

Executive development happens primarily in the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain more sensitive to stress than any other. Unlike anywhere else in the brain, even mild stress can flood the prefrontal cortex with the neurotransmitter dopamine, which causes executive functioning to shut down (Diamond, 2010).

Executive functions include cognitive flexibility, self-control, working memory, planning & self-awareness

What are executive functions anyway? Executive functions together play the role of executive director of the brain — making decisions, organizing, strategizing, monitoring performance and knowing when to start, stop, and shift gears (Cox, 2007, Zelazo, 2010). Executive functioning is essentially the conscious regulation of thought, emotion, and behavior (Zelazo, 2010). It is different from what we usually think of as intelligence, because it is independent of how much we know. It is an aspect of intelligence in that it involves expressing or translating what we know into action (Zelazo, 2010). One can be exceedingly bright but not be able to access and apply knowledge if there is limited executive function.

Key executive functions are: cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control (self-control), working memory, planning, and self-awareness (Zelazo, 2010). Without cognitive flexibility we cannot change our minds, shift attention or perspective, flexibly adapt to changes, see another point of view, solve problems or be creative. The ability to inhibit or control our impulses involves the capacity to stop and think and not act on our first instinct, but, instead, do what is needed or most appropriate. It allows us to direct our attention and be disciplined enough to stay on task even in the face of temptation and distraction, instead of being controlled by habit, feelings and external cues (Zelazo, 2010).

The ability to resist temptation and stay on task is the foundation of planning and being able to follow through on a plan. Additionally, the ability to plan involves being able to anticipate and reflect on the future, keep a goal in mind, and use reasoning to develop a strategy. Working memory allows us to follow instructions involving multiple steps and do them in the right order. It allows us to hold things in mind while relating one thing to another. This capacity allows us to follow a conversaton while keeping in mind what we want to say. It enables us to relate to something we’re learning to other things we know. It allows us to recognize cause and effect which, as research has shown, is essential to understanding other people’s reactions to us (Diamond, 2010). For example other people’s reactions may not make sense if we don’t remember what we said or did that led to it.

Self-awareness involves the ability to observe and monitor our performance so that we can make appropriate adjustments. It is the basis for regulating emotional expression and behavior. Self-awareness involves holding in mind a sense of ourselves, allowing us to have appropriate expections of ourselves, and learn from what we have done before.

A common denominator and basis of all executive functioning is the ability to hold things in mind, step back and reflect. Without this capacity, it is difficult to have perspective, judgment, or control. Studies with children at different ages before and after executive development is in place demonstrate that without being able to inhibit impulses and distractions and hold multiple things in mind, even if we know what to do and want to do the right thing, that intention may not translate into behavior (Diamond, 2010; Zelazo, 2010). Therefore, admonishing or punishing children who are not following the rules because of limited executive function is not only ineffective, but leads children who are already often frustrated and discouraged to feel bad about themselves and unsupported. In order to intervene effectively with children, we must diagnose the problem accurately to determine when an issue is due to executive function deficit and not simply adolescent laziness or rebellion.

Part 2 tells the story of a boy with executive functioning deficits and his parents to highlight common experiences in families stressed by this problem and explain what’s happening in children’s minds. Finally, the column addresses how best to help support children with these issues and offers tips for parents.www.psychcentral.com/lib/executive-function-problem-or-just-a-lazy-kid-part-1/

[Ziggiddy]

This is an interesting topic.

In some ways I hear gongs going off - recently discussed my slowness to understand when I have been insulted or my slowness to recognise when i am angry. It can take several days for these things to seep in. I theorise, like Sunflower that it is related to CPTSD - underdeveloped limbic function. But then I am extremely good at picking up facial cues and body postures which denote happiness, joy, irritation etc. I have a real knack for knowing when someone is mad at anyone or even just doesn't like them (or me!) which is canvassed as 'mindreading' by friends but I think is just a survival mechanism. In picking them up, I am also very quick to process and act upon them. And yet when someone insults me with a normal tone of voice, I hear the tone and completely miss the content. It can take days or even weeks and frequently even years of applied analytical thought and measure against external cues to process that and then to act upon it.

I've also had (for various reasons) cognitive function tests which show  a high degree of analytical ability (detecting and predicting patterns, spatial awareness and memory/recall function) and yet a pronounced deficit in sequencing.

Not sure if this information answers the question!

[JoeBPD81]

I thought about how to explain this to my S10 in terms that he can understand. This is what I came up with:

Imagine you have a fly bothering you around your face, but you have a juicy cake in your hand. By impulse, you would try to hit the fly and you would end up with cake all over your face. There is one ability that tells you that having cake all over your face is worse than being bothered by the fly, so you don't act on that impulse, and you either use the other hand, or put away the cake first.

Some people have it very hard to control their impulses, and can't think if they're gonna make things worse or better, they just act on them. The only thing these people can do is train, like a soccer player, repeat one thing a hundred times, until that thing becomes an impulse, and that thing can be to "stop and think".

Don't know when it could be a moment to talk to him about that. I think that the younger a person is, the more opportunity to grow and change behaviors/habits, but they have little or no insight, so no interest in changing at all.

[Skip]

If you want to help your son understand his mom, you may want to use an example he will likely encounter (his mom spending money she was saving for a trip to Disneyland on a new dress). It's also important to use an executive skill that he has already mastered. Remember, he is just learning this stuff himself.

[toomanydogs]

My H was diagnosed in 2007 with diminished executive function. At the time, the docs attributed it to the benzodiazepines he'd been on since a child.

In 2010, the diminished executive function was attributed to schizophrenia. The poor impulse control--he has NO impulse control, in my opinion--has been attributed to Tourettes.

I think my H has slipped through the cracks regarding an accurate diagnosis. I don't know that it would matter, as I don't see his wanting to get better. It might help in that I also don't see that the psychotropic drugs have done anything for him except mess up his metabolism, so he now has diabetes type 2 and low salt.

At any rate, I don't see that I have diminished executive function or poor impulse control as a result of being with him. I do have chronic anxiety that has had an impact on my short term memory (could also be age). I do have a good support network, which helps.

[try2heal]

About 5 months into our relationship, my exuBPDbf (did I get that right? ex-undiagnosed) asked me if I thought he might be Autistic. We did some tests, and he was on the border... (hmmm.... borderline). I have a child with Asperger's. I attributed all the things--black-and-white thinking, history of intimacy problems, low frustration tolerance, etc.--to Autism, but always noticed they seemed extreme and, unlike my kiddo, he could not learn coping mechanisms. Now I suspect either no autism, all BPD, or both.
All of this is to say Executive Function issues + an unwillingness or disinterest in addressing them seems to be a hallmark.

[kells76]

Here's a recent (2023) NIH case study of an individual with both ASD and BPD:

Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum and Borderline Personality Disorder: An Emerging Clinical Challenge Seeking Informed Interventions

which does have some discussion about impulsivity and executive function in both contexts. The conclusion calls out the difficulties coming from overlapping features of ASD and BPD:

[The] case illustrates a common and complex clinical challenge, where the double doses of emotional dysregulation, disrupted social interchange, and repetitive self-destructive behavioral compulsions overwhelm either ASD or BPD approaches considered separately. In addition, women with ASD, who have better abilities to mask restricted interests and build social engagement than males with the disorder, often camouflage the full extent of their autism-specific vulnerabilities.

[CC43]

Indeed, I have a diagnosed BPD and an undiagnosed NPD in my life, and I've often witnessed poor executive function from them.  It's as if their emotions get in the way of executing any plan, ESPECIALLY if the plan involves a bit of discomfort or inconvenience.  Only when their plan is directly for their own benefit do they seem to be willing and able to execute on it.

The hallmarks of poor executive function that I see are:
*chronic lateness and/or standing people up
*resorting to a million and one excuses for failing to execute a plan
*blaming others for failing to execute a plan
*being woefully unprepared, for example forgetting to bring a bathing suit on a beach outing, or forgetting a wallet/credit card on any outing
*extreme forgetfulness (e.g. forgetting what day of the week it is)
*impulsive, self-sabotaging decisions, like quitting a job suddenly or ending an important relationship over a trifling comment
*low frustration tolerance that leads to outbursts and destruction of plans (e.g. storming out of a restaurant before finishing a meal)
*inability to manage the household (e.g. unpaid bills, chronic late fees, extreme messiness, living in filth)
*over-the-top difficulties with ordinary tasks (e.g. can never find car keys/smartphone/charger)
*lack of any regular routine; sleeping excessively and/or at odd hours