Does ADHD cause low tolerance for workplace stress

PostedOctober 31, 2025

UpdatedNovember 5, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Many adults with ADHD report struggling with workplace stress more than their neurotypical peers. According to NICE guidance, emotional dysregulation and executive-function challenges make individuals more vulnerable to pressure, particularly when demands are high or feedback is critical. These difficulties often manifest as anxiety, irritability, or fatigue, leading to decreased productivity and, in some cases, burnout.

Why adults with ADHD experience higher stress

ADHD affects the brain’s prefrontal cortex—the region responsible for planning, prioritising, and emotional regulation. When this system is overloaded, even minor workplace demands can feel overwhelming. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that adults with ADHD experience higher stress levels due to time-blindness, distraction, and difficulties recovering from emotional strain.

The NHS East London Foundation Trust notes that unpredictable workloads, noise, and multitasking demands can quickly drain mental energy, reducing resilience to everyday stressors. Many adults describe needing “twice the effort” to maintain focus, leading to exhaustion and self-doubt.

The role of executive dysfunction and environment

Executive dysfunction makes it harder to manage competing priorities or adapt to shifting deadlines. When tasks pile up, emotional regulation declines, resulting in frustration, guilt, or avoidance. Research from Frontiers in Psychology (2022) shows that stress further impairs executive function, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of pressure and poor performance.

Environmental factors also play a major role. Open-plan offices, constant notifications, and sensory overload increase stress reactivity. The CIPD neurodiversity framework recommends flexible work structures, predictable routines, and strengths-based role matching to support sustained wellbeing for employees with ADHD.

Strategies for improving stress tolerance

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and ADHD coaching are proven to reduce stress by improving organisation, planning, and self-calming skills. The ADHD Foundation encourages employers to combine structured feedback with access to workplace adjustments through the Access to Work scheme.

Mindfulness and emotion regulation programmes have also been shown to reduce burnout in adults with ADHD by improving awareness of triggers and supporting recovery after high-demand tasks.

Key takeaway

ADHD does not inherently cause poor coping ability, but its emotional and cognitive features make workplace stress harder to manage. With early recognition, flexible adjustments, and targeted therapeutic support, adults with ADHD can develop stronger resilience, perform effectively, and thrive in demanding work environments.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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.