Understanding Executive Dysfunction in Adults with ADHD

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that executive dysfunction, particularly challenges with working memory and task shifting, plays a significant role in the emotional difficulties experienced by adult women with ADHD. While medication can help improve executive function, it's important to remember that these medications can have side effects.

Key findings

• For adult women with ADHD, difficulties with working memory and shifting between tasks may contribute to emotional dysregulation.
• Non-stimulant medications like viloxazine ER have shown promise in improving executive function in adults with ADHD.
• Like all medications, non-stimulant treatments for ADHD can have side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and sleep disturbances.

Studies cited (2)

1. A controlled study of emotional dysfunction in adult women with ADHD — Ortal Slobodin, Michal Har Sinay, Ada H Zohar (2025, PLoS ONE, other)

   Objective Given the increased socio-emotional burden of ADHD symptoms in women, the current study examined the associations between ADHD symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and executive function deficits. We also examined two types of executive function deficits, working memory and task shifting, as potential mediators of the link between women’s ADHD symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Method The study included 176 women between 20 and 30 years of age. Of these, 82 reported a known diagnosis of ADHD, and 94 reported no known diagnosis. Participants completed questionnaires addressing the se

2. Nonstimulant Treatments For Adult ADHD — (2024, , other)

   Atomoxetine and viloxazine, both norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are the only FDA-approved non-stimulant medications for adult ADHD treatment. Viloxazine ER significantly improved ADHD symptomatology, executive function, and overall clinical illness severity in adults in clinical trials. Common side effects of atomoxetine and viloxazine include GI issues, insomnia, decreased appetite, and sexual dysfunction, among others.