Free Health Updates
Skip to main content
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

Why do I have trouble prioritising tasks with ADHD? 

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

Finding it hard to decide what to do first is a common experience for adults with ADHD. According to the NHS, ADHD affects executive functions, the mental skills that help with planning, sequencing, and organisation. When these skills work differently, choosing priorities becomes harder and everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. 

Start your ADHD journey today

Why ADHD affects task prioritisation 

Here is why ADHD can affect task prioritisation; 

Executive function and attention 

Executive dysfunction is one of the core reasons adults with ADHD struggle to prioritise. Research shows that working memory and attention drift make it difficult to hold several tasks in mind long enough to compare their importance, as highlighted in this PubMed review on executive functioning in ADHD. This means urgent or complex tasks may be forgotten or pushed aside. 

Emotional and motivational factors 

Emotional impulsivity and overwhelm can also influence choices. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults with ADHD may gravitate towards tasks that feel rewarding or easier, even when they are not the most important. Differences in reward pathways and dopamine regulation contribute to this pattern. 

Strategies that help 

The NICE NG87 guideline recommends using tools like visual planners, categorised to-do lists, and digital reminders to support prioritisation. Techniques such as ranking tasks by urgency, setting small step-by-step goals, or reviewing priorities at set times can reduce overload. CBT-based approaches and ADHD coaching can also strengthen planning skills. 

Services such as ADHD Certify offer assessments and medication reviews that support executive functioning. 

Key takeaway 

Trouble prioritising with ADHD is rooted in executive functioning differences, not lack of effort. With practical tools, structured routines, and the right support, many adults find they can organise tasks more confidently and reduce daily overwhelm. 

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. 

Categories