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Is Difficulty Concentrating a Sign of ADHD? 

PostedOctober 15, 2025
UpdatedOctober 15, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, difficulty concentrating is a core symptom of ADHD concentration issues. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects an individual’s ability to regulate attention, which leads to persistent attention problems ADHD. People with ADHD often struggle to stay focused, especially on tasks that require sustained mental effort. This difficulty with concentration is not just about occasional lapses in focus, but rather a persistent challenge that impacts daily life. 

Discover if you have ADHD

Symptoms of Difficulty Focusing ADHD 

Easily Distracted:  

One of the most common signs of ADHD is a tendency to become easily sidetracked by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts. This makes it difficult to stay on task, whether at work, school, or in everyday activities. 

Difficulty Completing Tasks:  

People with ADHD often start tasks but struggle to finish them. The inability to maintain focus on one thing can lead to incomplete work, missed deadlines, and frustration. 

Forgetfulness:  

Difficulty concentrating can also affect memory. Individuals with ADHD might forget important details or appointments, as they have trouble retaining and recalling information when they’re unable to focus. 

Mental Fatigue:  

Constantly trying to focus and regulate attention can be mentally exhausting. People with ADHD may feel drained or overwhelmed by tasks that seem simple to others. 

When ADHD Concentration Issues Are More Than a Phase 

While everyone experiences lapses in concentration occasionally, for those with ADHD, these issues are chronic and pervasive across many areas of life. If concentration problems are affecting your performance at school, work, or in relationships, ADHD might be the underlying cause, and it’s worth seeking an evaluation. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to better understand how brain imaging can inform ADHD treatment.  

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to ADHD misconceptions.  

Discover if you have ADHD
Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

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.