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Can zoning out be mistaken for other disorders? 

PostedOctober 16, 2025
UpdatedOctober 18, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Absolutely, zoning out is one of those subtle behaviours that can lead to an ADHD misdiagnosis, or be missed altogether. Because it looks like a simple lack of interest or focus, it’s often chalked up to laziness, anxiety, or even depression. 

Zoning out may be part of ADHD, but it’s also seen in other conditions which is why differential diagnosis matters so much. Doctors and psychologists need to look beyond surface behaviours to understand what’s really driving the disconnect. 

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Conditions That Can Look Like ADHD 

Here are some common conditions where zoning out overlaps with ADHD, but comes from a different source: 

Depression  

Low energy and lack of motivation can cause someone to mentally check out but the underlying issue is mood, not attention. 

Anxiety  

High stress can lead to racing thoughts or mental fatigue, making focus difficult. 

Absence seizures  

These are brief neurological events that look like daydreaming but are small seizures. 

Dissociation  

Often trauma-related, dissociation involves emotional or psychological detachment, which can resemble zoning out but feels very different internally. 

In conclusion, misunderstanding these signs can delay proper care. If you notice frequent mental absences, a thorough assessment is key to prevent ADHD misdiagnosis.  

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Zoning out & Forgetfulness in ADHD.  

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Avery Lombardi, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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.