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Why do I avoid calling services or fixing things with ADHD? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Many adults with ADHD say they will “call tomorrow”, and then tomorrow never comes. According to NICE guidance (NG87), ADHD symptoms can affect organisation, time management, and motivation, making everyday admin tasks like phoning the GP or sorting a bill feel overwhelming rather than simple. The NHS England ADHD Taskforce (2025) found that this kind of avoidance often reflects executive dysfunction and emotional overload, not laziness or lack of willpower. 

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Why these tasks feel harder with ADHD 

Clinical psychology studies show that ADHD brains experience task initiation paralysis, a kind of mental block that makes starting tasks unusually difficult, especially those involving uncertainty or social interaction. A 2025 PubMed study by Knouse et al. found that adults with ADHD experience more “avoidant automatic thoughts” and stronger negative emotions when facing everyday admin or household tasks. 

Time-blindness and motivation difficulties also play a part. When you cannot easily sense how long something will take or what step to start with, your brain may simply shut down instead. The StatPearls ADHD clinical review (NCBI, 2023) explains that inattentive symptoms such as disorganisation and difficulty sustaining effort often led to missed calls, deadlines, and appointments. 

The role of emotion and rejection sensitivity 

Many people with ADHD also experience rejection-sensitive anxiety, a fear of being judged or told off. That fear can make phoning a service feel emotionally risky. The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ guidance (2022) highlights that ADHD involves lifelong challenges with emotional regulation, which can turn mild discomfort into full avoidance. 

Understanding that this avoidance is rooted in neurobiology, not personal failure, is key. According to NHS advice on adult ADHD, strategies such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using reminders, or scheduling calls for specific time blocks can help reduce decision fatigue and overwhelm. 

Getting the right support 

For some, behavioural or coaching-based approaches help to rebuild motivation and emotional regulation. Services such as Theara Change (UK) are developing evidence-informed programmes that focus on practical executive function skills and emotional self-management. 

And if you have not yet had a diagnosis, private assessment services like ADHD Certify provide ADHD assessments and post-diagnostic care in line with NICE guidance, offering another route to understanding and structured support. 

Takeaway

 Avoiding calls, admin, or fixing small problems is not a sign of carelessness; it is often a visible symptom of ADHD’s impact on motivation, emotion, and executive control. Recognising the “why” helps you replace shame with strategy, and compassion with structure. 

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Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

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. 

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