my patient advice logo - used for header - mypatientadvice.co.uk
All Topics
Contact Us
Free Health Updates
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

Why does ADHD make you put things off until the last minute? 

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

Many people with ADHD experience last minute procrastination ADHD, where tasks only seem doable when a deadline is right around the corner. This behaviour isn’t about carelessness, but is often linked to how ADHD brains respond to pressure, stimulation, and motivation. 

When urgency spikes, so does focus. This is known as the urgency effect, and it explains why tasks that felt impossible for days suddenly get done in a single intense session. While this method can work short-term, relying on it repeatedly can lead to burnout and stress. 

Take the ADHD test online

How It Helps  

Urgency Effect and Dopamine 

ADHD brains often crave stimulation. The pressure of an upcoming deadline creates a dopamine surge, which helps with motivation and task focus. This can make last minute procrastination ADHD feel like the only way to get things done. 

Deadlines Create Action 

Long, open timelines can be difficult to manage. Clear, time-limited goals feel more immediate and engaging. But consistently waiting for deadlines can backfire, especially when tasks are complex or emotionally draining. 

Motivation on Demand 

People with ADHD often struggle with interest-based motivation. They don’t choose to wait until the last second, but rather only feel the internal drive once a sense of urgency kicks in. 

Last minute procrastination ADHD is a coping pattern, not a personality flaw. Recognising this can help in finding healthier ways to work with motivation rather than against it. 

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. 

Take the ADHD test online
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.