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What ADHD Apps Help Manage Boredom and Track Hyperfocus? 

PostedOctober 20, 2025
UpdatedOctober 20, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Many people with ADHD describe feeling caught between boredom and hyperfocus. Digital tools are now stepping in to bridge this gap, using reminders, body doubling, and gamified focus systems to help balance attention. While NHS and NICE guidelines don’t yet endorse ADHD apps, new research shows they can be useful for supporting motivation and executive function between therapy sessions. 

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What NHS and NICE Say 

According to NICE NG87 and NHS ADHD guidance, the core of ADHD management remains medication, behavioural strategies, and psychoeducation (NICE, 2023; NHS, 2025). Although digital tools are not formally recommended, some NHS trusts publish “ADHD-friendly app” lists to help patients find structured, clinically informed tools (Devon Partnership NHS Trust, 2024). 

How ADHD Apps Can Help 

Recent studies suggest that ADHD-focused apps can help with boredom regulation, focus tracking, and emotional control: 

Cognitive and motivational apps 

A 2025 systematic review found that FOCUS ADHD, Sensory Diet App, and AKL-X01 improved cognitive function and reduced boredom in children (Hosseinnia et al., 2025). 

Gamified interventions 

The BrainFit app improved attention and executive functioning in a 2024 JMIR Mental Health trial (Zhao et al., 2024). 

Digital CBT and emotional tracking 

Reviews in JMIR Mental Health (2025) found that apps combining behavioural feedback, body doubling, and mindfulness modules improved motivation and emotion regulation (Murray et al., 2025). 

These tools use proven techniques, such as digital CBT, mindfulness, and structured rewards, to keep users engaged without overstimulating the brain. 

Safety and Clinical Considerations 

NHS commentary highlights the importance of data security, GDPR compliance, and accessibility before recommending apps for routine use. Most digital tools are designed as adjuncts, not replacements, for therapy or medication. Evidence so far shows good user engagement but limited data on long-term outcomes and integration into NHS care pathways. 

If you are considering ADHD assessment or ongoing management, ADHD Certify provides online ADHD assessments for adults and children in the UK, with expert clinicians who can help you find safe, effective tools to support daily focus. 

Takeaway 

ADHD apps are not yet part of official NHS or NICE treatment guidelines, but evidence from 2022–2025 suggests they can enhance motivation, regulate boredom, and improve emotional balance when used alongside therapy and medication. With careful selection and clinical guidance, digital tools can play a valuable role in supporting everyday focus and wellbeing. 

Take an ADHD test now
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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.