Executive dysfunction

[SecretSnake]

If you suffer with this, or know someone who does, how do you manage?

I have bipolar type 2 and have been unmedicated for just over a year. Emotionally I’m managing it (just about!) but I really struggle with my executive function. I’ve been reading about the use of adhd meds to help with this. Was just wondering what other peoples experience might be with this.

I hope you don’t mind me asking, but why don’t you take meds for your bipolar disorder?

Sorry I forgot to put that in my op!! I’m still breastfeeding my baby :)

ADHD meds could possibly trigger mania. They are basically amphetamines. But I am not a doctor, the person to speak to is your GP or psychiatrist.

Adhd medication would only help if you have adhd. Plus would be impossible to get prescribed without being diagnosed.

And also are not considered suitable for breastfeeding!

I'm bipolar 1 with psychotic tendencies I really struggled with this on certain meds then tried a new one and it was tonnes better

Ah ok! I think I’m going to breastfeeding this guy until he’s in his 20’s at this rate 🥲

I think it’s probably more important for you and your baby that you take your meds than continue breastfeeding.

Really useful info here: www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/effects-of-brain-injury/executive-dysfunction/

Aw bless you! Yep both of mine were / are total boob monsters. It’s hard when it impacts your ability to function on a bias in level! I hope you find something that helps x

I have ADHD, cannot take the meds due to breastfeeding.

Also, ADHD meds are best suited to those with ADHD and can have particularly adverse effects on those who haven't got ADHD. (Plus the meds have some shitty side effects anyway)

I struggle with executive function and the main thing I do is to write anything I need to do or want to remember down! It's such a huge area though it would probably be more useful if you gave specific examples of things you struggle with.

I have poor executive functioning alongside my dyslexia and there aren't any meds for that.

So I have as many things as possible structured. Bills on direct debit.
Food shopping online booked in advance as much as possible.
Efforts at meal planning (I really struggle with follow through on this to be honest)
A diary with lots written down.
House clutter is a constant battle but the less there is the easier it is to manage.
Tomm, although I'm forever falling off the tidying wagon!

At work, lists. Blocking time out.

How could you possibly know what's best for the OP and her baby??? Are you her doctor?

It may be that your GP is erring on the side of caution wrt prescribing while you’re breastfeeding, but without taking the risks/benefits of formula/breastfeeding into account. You can get advice from La Leche League or similar, they’ll point you to expert advice - something like this website, but idk how accurate it is (my kids are older and I’m not a medic) www.e-lactation.com/en/

I struggle with actioning things. So I know what I need to do and I really want to do it but I just physically can’t. I spend so much of my mental energy in making sure the kids are fed, clothed (sometimes that’s all I manage in a day) I don’t have anything left for anything else. I miss appointments, I’ve been living on takeaways, the house is a mess. My husband helps where he can but he works stupid hours so is never home when I actually need him.

@Staynow this is me, and I've only just worked out that it's poor executive functioning. I write EVERYTHING down! People laugh at me, but I have to do it. Then I'm not so great at getting the stuff down, but as long as it is written down I feel happier. My 12 year old is struggling with organising himself and I was looking at tips to help support him and came across the phrase executive functioning. Have u found anything else that helps you daily? He's not interested in a pretty pink planner which has his life in it 😂

I think it's true that anyone with a serious mental illness (which bipolar disorder is) needs to think very hard about the benefits and costs of extended breastfeeding for all involved. It sounds as if you also have older children to think about, as well as yourself, and your baby (who may be at the age where interacting with a happy and executively functional mum is more important than the statistically minuscule benefit provided by more breastmilk). As others have said, it's also not usually entirely clear cut whether meds are compatible with breastfeeding or not. With a heavier child who is also eating solid food and drinking less milk, the concentration of any active drug in the milk will be much lower than with a newborn. So you might have more options than you think.

But, to the major issue, ADHD and bipolar are often comorbid. Even without ADHD, bipolar illness leads to cognitive dysfunction and this gets worse over time, particularly when unmedicated. On the other hand, broken sleep and a busy life with young children can make anyone feel executively non-functional! Could you ask your psychiatrist to assess your symptoms and consider an ADHD diagnosis? Taking stimulants alone is very unlikely to help and can destabilise your mood, but they could be added to a mood stabiliser once you're back on it. Either way, I think you are going to need to resume the bipolar meds before being prescribed anything else.