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Do people with ADHD daydream more? 

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

Ever catch yourself lost in thought for long stretches, then wonder if it’s just a habit or something deeper? For many with ADHD, daydreaming isn’t just about being imaginative it can be a sign of inattentive ADHD, where the mind frequently drifts away from the present moment. 

ADHD and daydreaming often goes hand-in-hand with tasks that feel boring, repetitive, or unengaging. It’s not deliberate avoidance, but rather a default brain response. Instead of focusing on what’s in front of them, people with ADHD may slip into vivid mental scenes, jump between thoughts, or zone out entirely sometimes without realising it. 

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Why Mind Wandering Happens 

Here are a few reasons mind wandering and daydreaming show up more often in people with ADHD: 

Low stimulation triggers drifting  

When a task lacks excitement or novelty, the ADHD brain may unconsciously seek stimulation elsewhere, often internally. 

Inattentive ADHD subtype 

People with this form of ADHD tend to be more prone to internal distraction than hyperactivity, making daydreaming a common symptom. 

Difficulty with sustained focus 

Even when interested, the brain may struggle to stay tethered to a single thought or task for long. 

In conclusion, understanding this kind of ADHD and daydreaming isn’t about weakness or avoidance, it’s about how the brain is wired. Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations tailored to your experience. 

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.