Executive Functions: Definition; Contexts and Neuropsychological Profiles

Starting from the concept of “executive functions”; we proceeded to describe the object under examination in a more complete and functional way; and their possible role in neuropsychology and developmental psychopathology. The use of statistical methods and clinical observation have allowed us to emphasize the understanding of the multi-componential structure of the processes themselves. Paying particular attention to the psychopathological contents listed in the DSM-V psychiatric manual; the main pathological forms were then analyzed to better contextualize the present discussion; also from a psychotherapeutic point of view; with the preferential choice of the strategic approach for the management of pathological disorders related to the deficit of executive functions.

Keywords: Psychology; Neuroscience; Executive functions; Developmental disorders; Amygdala; Prefrontal cortex; Cerebellum; Limbic system; Psychotherapy; Psychopharmacology; Strategic approach