CoreBrain Journal

CoreBrain Journal


017 Jeff Copper – Measure ADHD & Executive Function

June 02, 2016

Mind Measure: The Difference Between
ADD & Executive Function
Paradoxically, without self-control you can't be free.
- Russell A Barkley
Measure Brain Function To Improve Outcomes - Appearances Encourage Guesswork

Jeff Copper likes to measure. He is, quite simply, a man for all seasons, as he reflects, reports, and recommends on the remarkable changes in ADHD mind science. His international reputation for asking important questions, for providing an interesting forum to discuss the vagaries of ADD/ADHD diagnosis and treatment, is nothing less than exemplary - especially in these halcyon years of ADHD medication confusion, distrust, and pervasive medical quandary.

It's dicey out there, and Jeff sets out to correct the guessing game with details that work.

With over, at the date of this interview, 450 audio and video interviews with important thought leaders Jeff sets the standard for facilitating useful, understandable programs for both public and professionals - that directly address ADHD and Executive Function Challenges.

Straight Talk: Thinking About Function 

If the targets and treatments remain imprecise who can blame the public for a pervasive lack of confidence in the medical system? The good news, label guesswork is out [hyperactive vs inattentive?], and detailed, functional measurement, both brain, and biomedical is now more decidedly, irrevocably in. No, I'm not diving into the deep waters of controversy over functional vs traditional medicine. The function I'm addressing here at CBJ is at once complex and simple: brain function and biomedical function from a comprehensive medical perspective is increasingly translatable, understandable, and applicable at the street level.

My perspective remains the same: Comprehensive perceptions are inclusive, not polarized in either of the warring medical camps and are in the best interest of the most advanced, most precise, most predictable patient care.
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.
~ Neil deGrasse Tyson
Jeff's Outstanding Contribution

In just a few short years Jeff has interviewed almost everyone in the ADHD community from thought leaders such as Hallowell and Barkley to the living experiences of coaches and clients. He connects researchers with Main Street experiences, always chasing data that works in the real world.

Ed Note: On My Good Times With Jeff

At first, Jeff and I simply bumped into each other at various meetings, from CHADD to the National ADHD Coaches Organization. I still remember very well how much we both appreciated Dr. Russell Barkley's remarks years ago when Russ added Executive Function insights to the previous appearance-based diagnostic criteria still used as the standard of care today.

We all know that 'Hyperactive,' 'Inattentive,' and 'Combined,' simply don't cover the complexity of executive function challenges. Barkley's insights offer more precise answers - improved target recognition. If both patient and medical teams truly understand and recognize the targets, the dialogue in global offices will improve markedly - simply because the patient can say, "Yes you hit it," or, "Not yet." [Functional diagnostic targets explained in 8 detailed videos in this Executive Function playlist: http://www.corepsych.com/diagnosis]

Shortly after that first meeting we both quickly realized that we're on the same path. It's not inconsequential that we have, in a way, grown up together. I truly admire Jeff and his work and appreciat...