What is the Impact of Chronic Illnesses on Attention and Activity Levels in ADHD?

PostedAugust 29, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Chronic illnesses and ADHD can significantly affect a child’s attention and activity levels, complicating the management of ADHD symptoms. Chronic health conditions, whether physical or mental, can alter a child’s ability to focus, behaviour regulation, and engage in typical daily activities, making it crucial to consider the effects of long-term health conditions when assessing ADHD.

Impact on Attention and Focus

Children with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma, or autoimmune disorders, often experience fatigue, pain, or other symptoms that impair their cognitive abilities. Chronic pain or discomfort can make it difficult for children to concentrate in school or at home, exacerbating symptoms of inattention that are already present in ADHD.

Impact on Activity Levels

Many chronic conditions, especially those that affect physical health, can lead to reduced activity levels. Children with chronic illnesses may experience fatigue, weakness, or mobility issues, making it harder for them to engage in physical activities. The resulting behaviour regulation challenges can affect both social and academic performance, increasing stress for both the child and their caregivers.

Managing Chronic Illnesses and ADHD

Effective management of both ADHD and chronic illnesses requires a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include addressing the specific symptoms of chronic illness, adjusting ADHD medications as needed, and incorporating strategies to improve focus and behaviour regulation.

Chronic illnesses and ADHD can significantly impact attention and activity levels, making it important to address both conditions in treatment. With the right support, children can manage the challenges of chronic illness while effectively coping with ADHD symptoms.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Differential Diagnosis of ADHD.

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.