Have studies tested boredom tolerance in ADHD? 

Most people dislike boredom, but for many adults with ADHD, it feels almost unbearable. Studies over the past decade suggest that difficulty tolerating boredom may be one of the most overlooked aspects of ADHD. According to NICE guidance (NG87), ADHD affects how people regulate attention and motivation, and boredom sits right at the centre of that struggle. 

What the research shows 

Recent studies have directly tested how people with ADHD respond to boredom tasks. In controlled experiments, participants with ADHD were more likely to avoid low-stimulation activities, show restlessness, or seek novelty compared with neurotypical participants. A 2024 review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that adults with ADHD report lower “boredom tolerance” and higher frustration when under-stimulated (Frontiers, 2024). 

Researchers link this to dopamine regulation. When a task feels unstimulating, dopamine levels drop, leading to agitation and a strong urge to switch focus — often toward something more rewarding or fast-paced. This helps explain why people with ADHD can hyperfocus on stimulating tasks but struggle to start or finish mundane ones (PMC, 2025). 

Everyday impact 

Low boredom tolerance affects daily life in subtle ways. Adults may find it hard to sit through meetings, complete repetitive tasks, or maintain focus on long projects. Qualitative research highlights the emotional toll too, frustration, guilt, and a feeling of being “lazy” or “unmotivated,” even when the underlying issue is neurological, not moral (PMC, 2022). 

NHS England’s ADHD Taskforce (2025) acknowledges that boredom intolerance contributes to inconsistent performance and emotional exhaustion, recommending structured environments, short bursts of focus, and regular breaks (NHS England, 2025). 

Supporting focus without overload 

Experts suggest techniques that build stimulation safely, such as “body-doubling” (working alongside someone), gamified task lists, and brief movement breaks. Programmes like those being developed by Theara Change also explore how behavioural strategies can help adults balance motivation with emotional regulation. 

Takeaway 

Yes, studies have tested boredom tolerance in ADHD, and the findings are clear. People with ADHD experience boredom more intensely and recover from it more slowly. Recognising this difference helps shift the conversation from “try harder” to “structure differently,” supporting focus without frustration or burnout.