The OCD Stories Emily Hemendinger: Executive functioning, and decision making in OCD (#387)
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Jun 25, 2023 AI Snips
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How Executive Functioning Works
- Executive functioning includes planning, organizing, attention, impulse control, working memory, decision-making and emotional regulation.
- OCD commonly impairs these functions causing rigidity, low cognitive flexibility, and persistent doubt.
Why OCD Produces Doubt And Rigidity
- OCD reduces cognitive flexibility so people get stuck on details and struggle to shift tasks or see the bigger picture.
- Working memory is affected, which fuels doubt and indecision in OCD.
Childhood School Struggles From OCD
- Stuart describes being held back and struggling in elementary school due to OCD impairing attention and focus.
- He later caught up academically, illustrating recovery and change after treatment and support.