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Why Do People with ADHD Underestimate How Long Things Take? 

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ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

One common challenge for people with ADHD is ADHD time estimation. Many individuals with ADHD tend to underestimate how long things take, often leading to productivity struggles and frustration. This misjudgement can result in missed deadlines, incomplete tasks, or feeling rushed. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward improving task planning and time management. 

The root cause of ADHD time estimation difficulties is often time distortion. People with ADHD struggle to perceive time accurately, which can cause them to feel like time is either speeding by or dragging on. This can lead to a disconnect between how much time they believe they have and how long tasks actually take. It’s not uncommon for someone with ADHD to think they can finish a task quickly, only to find themselves running out of time. 

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Why Do People with ADHD Underestimate Time? 

Several factors contribute to ADHD time estimation issues: 

Time distortion 

Those with ADHD often experience time in a distorted way, either feeling that it moves too quickly or too slowly, making it difficult to gauge task duration accurately. 

Executive dysfunction 

ADHD is linked to executive dysfunction, which affects planning, organisation, and time management. This can make it difficult to break tasks down into manageable steps and properly estimate the time required. 

Lack of time awareness 

People with ADHD can easily lose track of time, especially during highly engaging tasks, leading to underestimations. 

How to Improve Time Estimation with ADHD 

To combat ADHD time estimation issues, try the following: 

Use timers or alarms 

Set a timer for each task to ensure you stay on track and avoid underestimating time. 

Break tasks into smaller chunks 

This helps you estimate time more accurately and stay focused on manageable steps. 

Build in buffer time 

Add extra time for tasks to account for unexpected delays. 

If you’re struggling with time distortion or task planning, visiting providers like ADHD Certify can offer personalised strategies for improving your time management. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Time management and organisation.

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Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Author

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 author's privacy. 

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