Objective To explore the features and relevant factors of ecological executive function in adults with id-iopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy. Methods 120 adults with idiopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy were compared strictly with 120 healthy controls of the same gender, age , marriage and educational degree. The differences in ecological executive function were compared between the two groups with the Behavior Rating Inven-tory of Executive Function-adult version( BRIEF-A);apply multiple stepwise linear regression analysis was used to explore the correlations between epileptic factors with projects of BRIEF-A. Results Compared with controls,the epileptics yielded higher scores significantly on all projects of BRIEF-A(P<0. 05):global executive composite,be-havioral regulation index,inhibition,shift,emotion control, self-monitoring, metacognition index,initiation, working memory,plan,organization,task monitor. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that four clinical fea-tures videlicet seizure type, seizure frequency, epilepsy control and antiepileptic drugs were closely related to BRIEF-A while factors such as course of disease,gender,age,marriage,educational degree,initial age were not rele-vant to BRIEF-A. Conclusion The ecological executive function of adults with idiopathic or probably symptomatic epilepsy impairment is affected by seizure type,seizure frequency,epilepsy control and antiepileptic drugs.