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Does inattention in ADHD trigger procrastination? 

PostedOctober 20, 2025
UpdatedOctober 21, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, inattention ADHD procrastination is a well-documented connection. When someone with ADHD struggles to maintain focus, it can directly lead to delayed tasks and unfinished projects. This isn’t about choosing to put things off, but rather losing track of them altogether due to a distracted or overwhelmed mind. 

Inattention in ADHD makes it difficult to prioritise, stay engaged, or even remember what needs doing. This mental noise causes procrastination not from laziness, but from distractibility and reduced control over attention. 

Take the ADHD test online

How It Shows Up Day to Day 

Losing Track of Tasks 

With inattention ADHD procrastination, the brain may quickly jump from one thought or activity to another. This makes it easy to forget deadlines or abandon tasks halfway through. 

Focus Comes and Goes 

ADHD isn’t a constant inability to focus. Often, focus is inconsistent, meaning someone might hyper-focus on one thing and ignore others, especially less stimulating or more routine tasks. 

Delayed Tasks Build Up 

The result is a backlog of delayed tasks that feel impossible to catch up on. This can create stress, guilt, and a sense of being overwhelmed. 

Understanding inattention ADHD procrastination helps shift the narrative. It’s not about a lack of effort, but a different way of processing information and managing time. With structure and support, these challenges can be worked through. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Procrastination and task paralysis. 

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Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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.