How can I manage distractions with ADHD?

PostedDecember 3, 2025

UpdatedDecember 29, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Managing distractions with ADHD often means working with how your brain processes attention rather than trying to force concentration. According to the NHS, adults with ADHD benefit most from combining behavioural strategies, environmental adjustments, and, when appropriate, medication. These approaches help reduce competing demands on attention and support more consistent focus during everyday tasks.

Practical strategies to reduce distractions

Here are some strategies to reduce distractions in ADHD:

Cognitive and behavioural approaches

Breaking tasks into smaller steps, using planners or visual reminders, and working in short- timed intervals can make tasks easier to manage. Techniques such as the Pomodoro method are widely recommended in NHS resource packs like the one published by the East London NHS Foundation Trust. Evidence from Frontiers in Psychiatry shows that CBT improves executive functioning and organisation for adults with ADHD, as highlighted in this recent review: Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Medication and focus

According to NICE NG87, stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine can improve attention and reduce impulsivity when symptoms interfere with daily functioning. These treatments work best when paired with behavioural strategies. Private services such as ADHD Certify offer assessments and medication reviews aligned with these national standards.

Environmental and digital changes

Guidance from the Cleveland Clinic suggests using noise reduction strategies, background stimulation (for some adults), and digital tools such as focus apps or website blockers to reduce interruptions.

Key takeaway

Managing distractions with ADHD works best when behavioural strategies, environmental changes, and evidence-based treatment come together. Small, consistent adjustments can significantly improve day-to-day focus.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.