Why do I struggle with multitasking with ADHD? 

If you often find it impossible to juggle more than one thing at a time, you’re not alone. Many people with ADHD describe feeling easily overwhelmed when switching between tasks, conversations or screens. This isn’t a sign of laziness or poor organisation it’s a recognised feature of how ADHD affects the brain’s attention and executive systems. 

Understanding how ADHD affects attention control 

ADHD impacts the brain’s ability to start, focus and shift attention efficiently. According to NICE guidance and NHS advice, these executive functions act as the brain’s “control centre”, managing priorities, maintaining effort and switching tasks smoothly. When these systems are disrupted, handling multiple tasks at once can cause cognitive overload, making it harder to stay on track or finish what you start. 

Why multitasking is harder with ADHD 

Recent research from PubMed and The Lancet Psychiatry (2024–2025) shows that differences in dopamine regulation and prefrontal cortex activity make task-switching and attention control more challenging for ADHD brains. Dopamine helps sustain focus and flexibility, but in ADHD it’s often underactive, leading to difficulty redirecting attention after distractions or interruptions. 

Practical ways to manage multitasking challenges 

NHS and Mayo Clinic guidance recommend simplifying daily routines focusing on one task at a time, using planners or digital reminders, and creating quiet, distraction-free environments. CBT and ADHD coaching can also build skills for prioritising and planning. Private services like ADHD Certify provide assessments and post-diagnostic support in line with NICE standards. 

Key takeaway 

Multitasking feels harder with ADHD because of how attention and executive control work in the brain. By understanding these patterns and using structured, evidence-based strategies, it’s possible to reduce overwhelm and regain focus with greater confidence. 

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.