Executive Functions: Eye movements and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Executive functions are complex, higher order processes moderated primarily by the frontal lobe, specifically the prefrontal cortex. The complexity of executive function has made a universally accepted definition elusive, but attention (focusing on relevant information and ignoring distractors), working memory (maintaining information until execution), and motor planning (goal-directed motor planning and programming) are generally considered key executive functions. Executive functions influence social, emotional, intellectual, and organizational aspects of one’s life. Life can be devastated when executive functions are disrupted. Unfortunately, such disruptions occur in many human disorders.