Can Boredom Increase Impulsivity in ADHD? 

People with ADHD often describe boredom as more than simple restlessness. It can feel intolerable, even distressing, leading to quick decisions or impulsive behaviour as the brain searches for stimulation. Research shows that boredom can heighten impulsivity in ADHD by triggering changes in dopamine and reward circuits that drive the need for action. 

According to Frontiers in Psychiatry (2024), individuals with ADHD show stronger emotional and physiological responses to boredom than neurotypical adults, often reacting with frustration, risk-taking, or distraction-seeking behaviours (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2024). This pattern is consistent with evidence that the ADHD brain has lower baseline dopamine levels and reduced motivation during low-stimulation activities (PubMed, 2023). 

The Brain Behind Boredom and Impulsivity 

NICE guidance explains that ADHD affects the brain’s executive functions such as inhibition, time perception, and emotional regulation (NICE NG87, 2019+). When under-stimulated, these systems struggle to hold back impulsive responses. fMRI research shows that boredom activates the default mode network (DMN), the brain’s daydreaming circuit, while reducing control in frontal areas responsible for planning and self-regulation (Frontiers in Psychology, 2023). 

Clinicians often use the delay aversion model to explain this. People with ADHD find waiting uncomfortable and are more likely to seek instant relief through impulsive actions such as switching tasks, spending money, or seeking new stimulation. The Royal College of Psychiatrists highlights that these reactions are not about poor discipline but reflect a neurobiological difference in how time and reward are processed (RCPsych CR235, 2023). 

Managing Impulsivity During Boredom 

Recognising boredom as a trigger rather than a flaw helps individuals respond more strategically. NICE and NHS guidance recommend combining structured routines, behavioural therapy, and medication where appropriate to improve impulse control (NHS ADHD in Adults; NICE NG87 Treatment Recommendations). Practical strategies include: 

• Breaking long tasks into short, timed intervals 

• Alternating focus periods with movement or sensory breaks 

• Adding novelty or visual stimulation to routine work 

• Using apps or reminders to pause before acting impulsively 

Therapies such as CBT for ADHD, mindfulness, and executive function coaching can also reduce boredom-driven impulsivity. These approaches help increase self-awareness, emotional regulation, and time management skills (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2023: Clinical Practice). 

If you are considering an ADHD assessment or treatment review, visit ADHD Certify, a trusted UK-based service providing affordable online ADHD assessments for both adults and children. 

Takeaway 

Boredom in ADHD is not just a lack of interest. It reflects a biological need for stimulation that, when unmet, can increase impulsivity. By understanding and managing boredom as a real neurological trigger, people with ADHD can build more control, balance, and confidence in daily life.