Prefrontal Cortex
Also known as: PFC
Your brain's CEO — responsible for planning, decision-making, and impulse control — and the last part to finish developing.
The front part of the frontal lobe, directly behind the forehead. The brain's 'CEO' — responsible for planning, decision-making, impulse control, social behaviour, and translating intentions into actions. It is the last brain region to fully mature (mid-20s). In ADHD, communication between the prefrontal cortex and other regions works differently, which is why knowing what to do and doing it are two separate challenges.
How it works
Your prefrontal cortex sits right behind your forehead and manages executive functions, social behaviour, and personality expression. It doesn't fully mature until your mid-20s. In ADHD, it can be structurally or functionally different, which affects planning, focus, and impulse regulation.
Think of it like
It's like the conductor of an orchestra who's still learning the score — brilliant at moments, but occasionally lets instruments play out of turn.
What it feels like
You feel the gap between what you intend to do and what you actually do. Your 'inner CEO' is working hard but sometimes gets overwhelmed by everything demanding its attention.