Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
ADHD affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, manage boredom and maintain focus on a single task. This means that even simple activities can feel fragmented or difficult to finish. According to NICE guidance and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, this difficulty is part of the neurodevelopmental profile of ADHD rather than a sign of laziness or lack of willpower.
Attention regulation, working memory and distraction
Focusing on one task relies on attention control and working memory to keep goals active and resist distractions. Studies published in Frontiers in Psychology show that people with ADHD experience more attentional lapses and inconsistent responses during sustained focus, suggesting short “drop-outs” of attention. NHS and CAMHS materials also describe how children with ADHD find it harder to concentrate on lessons and homework because their focus quickly shifts to other stimuli (Sussex CAMHS).
Why switching tasks happens so often
Research indicates that adults with ADHD are more prone to boredom and task switching, often seeking stimulation when a task becomes repetitive or unrewarding (PubMed). Hyperfocus can also occur, where intense concentration on interesting activities makes it harder to shift attention elsewhere.
Key takeaway
ADHD disrupts sustained attention by affecting how the brain balances focus, stimulation and working memory. Supportive approaches such as breaking work into smaller steps, minimising distractions and following NICE guideline NG87 can help people stay engaged and complete tasks more effectively.
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.
