Prevalence of executive impairment in patients seen by a psychiatry consultation service

The prevalence of impairment of executive function among 50 medical inpatients referred for psychiatric consultation was assessed by using the Executive Interview (EXIT25) and an executive clock-drawing task (CLOX). The Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) was also administered to assess general cognition. The percentage of patients who failed each test was calculated. Seventy-two percent failed at least one measure of executive function, whereas only 30% failed the MMSE. The results suggest that impairment of executive function is common among inpatients referred for psychiatric consultation. Because impairment of executive function has been specifically associated with behavioral and functional disability, routine assessment of executive function should be integrated into psychiatric case management.