Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLink Between ThemTheir EffectsContributing FactorsTips to Manage

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Table of Contents

Link Between Them

Their Effects

Contributing Factors

Tips to Manage

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Problems can begin to occur, however, if you find that you’re putting off these tasks, again and again, never getting to them “later.” This appears to happen quite often in people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for a variety of reasons.

This article discusses why people with ADHD tend to procrastinate and the impact it can have on their lives. It also covers some of the different ADHD symptoms that contribute to procrastination.

Press Play for Advice On Dealing With Procrastination

ADHDis a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9.4% of children have been diagnosed with ADHD.

While the condition is most frequently diagnosed during childhood, it can affect adults as well. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that the prevalence of ADHD among adults is 4.4%. However, it is not uncommon for adult ADHD to beundiagnosed and untreated.

While common, procrastination is not recognized as an official diagnostic symptom of ADHD. In a 2014 study, researchers had expected procrastination to be connected to impulsivity but instead found that it was connected only to inattention.

Some research indicates that procrastination often serves as a compensation strategy for teens and adults who have ADHD. When faced with a challenging task, procrastination offers them a way to stop dealing with an unpleasant problem that they may feel is too difficult for their abilities.

The factors that contribute to procrastination are complex and varied but problems with executive functioning often play a key part.

What Is Executive Function?Executive functioning skillsare the mental skills that are needed to plan, organize, initiate, and complete tasks. These skills include things such as working memory, time management, and self-control.

What Is Executive Function?

Executive functioning skillsare the mental skills that are needed to plan, organize, initiate, and complete tasks. These skills include things such as working memory, time management, and self-control.

Effects of Procrastination With ADHD

Many adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with chronic procrastination. This procrastination can cause problems at work when job responsibilities aren’t completed until the last minute.

It can causefinancial stressat home when balancing the checkbook is constantly delayed or when bills are paid late. And it can cause problems in relationships when you continue to put off others, making them feel unimportant.

Procrastination can also lead to negative moods and emotions as well aslow self-esteem. This failure to complete tasks can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt, and shame. Such emotions also contribute to the tendency to put off tasks.

Evidence also indicates that people with more serious ADHD symptoms experience more procrastination as well asinternalizing symptomssuch as depression and anxiety.

Researchers suggest that helping people address procrastination may be helpful for reducing some of the negative internalizing emotions that sometimes occur in ADHD such as guilt, sadness, shame, depression, and anxiety.

The Best Jobs for People With ADHD

There can be a number of ADHD-related factors that lead to chronic procrastination, including distractibility,forgetfulness,disorganization, and problems with prioritizing, sequencing, and time management.In addition, if you have experienced repeated frustrations on certain types of tasks, you may naturally avoid those tasks to avoid the negative feelings that working on those tasks can bring up.

Here are some of the factors that can be at play in the relationship between ADHD and procrastination.

Problems Getting Started

Sometimes just figuring out where or how to start is the challenge. Problems with organization come into play as you struggle to prioritize, plan, and sequence tasks that need to be done to get started and stay on track.

Getting Sidetracked

You may find that when tasks are particularly tedious or boring, you delay getting to them until the very last minute. At that point, you either feel so much pressure that you are unable to motivate yourself to finally get started and complete the task, or you get stuck, not completing the task at all and having to face the consequences.

ADHD and Motivation Problems

Last-Minute Propulsion

Interestingly, for some people with ADHD, putting off things until the very last minute can create an emergency-type situation—an urgency of sorts—that helps propel them forward to successfully get the job done.

The ​fast-approaching deadline (and the immediacy of the negative consequences that will follow if the deadline isn’t met) may help them to focus and complete the task.

The problem is that this urgency can create quite a bit of stress and anxiety, too. And the stress can take a tremendous toll on you as well as those around you.

Inevitably, these last-minute rush jobs tend not to be as high quality as they might have been without such procrastination.

Sense of Paralysis and Feeling Overwhelmed

On the other hand, you may experience a painfulsense of paralysiswhen faced with a task or project—wanting to get started, but unable to make progress forward in any manner.

You may have a crushing sense of pressure. As much as you know that you need to get the job done, you just can’t get moving.

Impaired Sense of Time

Sometimes, it’s theimpaired sense of timethat leads to problems with getting tasks started. If you have trouble estimating how long it takes to complete a task, you might put the task off, thinking you’re still allowing enough time to get it done.

ADHD can make it difficult to track the passage of time as well.So, you may find that those deadlines sneak up on you before you know it.

Time Management Strategies for Adults With ADHD

Fear of Failure

Sometimes there can be so much anxiety associated with starting a task that those feelings create an even greater obstacle. The fear of not doing the task correctly,fear of imperfection, andfear of failurecan all add to procrastination.

Tips to Manage Procrastination With ADHD

Although there’s a link between ADHD and procrastination, this doesn’t mean that someone with ADHD has to continue to procrastinate. Here are a few tips for managing procrastination when you have ADHD.

Does Adderall Help With Procrastination?Some studies have found that one of the main reasons college students take prescription stimulants—such as Adderall, a drug often prescribed for ADHD—is to reduce procrastination.While these drugs can help people with ADHD, taking them recreationally (without a prescription) comes with risks, such as developing anAdderall addiction.

Does Adderall Help With Procrastination?

Some studies have found that one of the main reasons college students take prescription stimulants—such as Adderall, a drug often prescribed for ADHD—is to reduce procrastination.While these drugs can help people with ADHD, taking them recreationally (without a prescription) comes with risks, such as developing anAdderall addiction.

A Word From Verywell

ADHD and procrastination often go hand in hand. Recognizing the relationship that exists between the two is helpful for understanding how they interact. It’s also a good first step to finding ways to ultimately overcome your tendency to procrastinate.

How to Overcome Chronic Procrastination With ADHD

9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Niermann HC, Scheres A.The relation between procrastination and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in undergraduate students.Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2014;23(4):411-421. doi:10.1002/mpr.1440Altgassen M, Scheres A, Edel MA.Prospective memory (partially) mediates the link between ADHD symptoms and procrastination.Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2019;11(1):59-71. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0273-xOguchi M, Takahashi T, Nitta Y, Kumano H.The moderating effect of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms on the relationship between procrastination and internalizing symptoms in the general adult population.Front Psychol. 2021;12:708579. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708579Adamou M, Asherson P, Arif M, et al.Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03070-zPtacek R, Weissenberger S, Braaten E, et al.Clinical implications of the perception of time in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a review.Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:3918-3924. doi:10.12659/MSM.914225Munawar K, Choudhry F, Lee S, Siau C, Kadri N, Sulong R.Acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.Heliyon. 2021;7(8):e07842. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07842Petersen M, Nørgaard L, Traulsen J.Pursuing pleasures of productivity: University students' use of prescription stimulants for enhancement and the moral uncertainty of making work fun.Culture Med Psychiatry. 2015;39:665-679. doi:10.1007/s11013-015-9457-4

9 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Niermann HC, Scheres A.The relation between procrastination and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in undergraduate students.Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2014;23(4):411-421. doi:10.1002/mpr.1440Altgassen M, Scheres A, Edel MA.Prospective memory (partially) mediates the link between ADHD symptoms and procrastination.Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2019;11(1):59-71. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0273-xOguchi M, Takahashi T, Nitta Y, Kumano H.The moderating effect of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms on the relationship between procrastination and internalizing symptoms in the general adult population.Front Psychol. 2021;12:708579. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708579Adamou M, Asherson P, Arif M, et al.Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03070-zPtacek R, Weissenberger S, Braaten E, et al.Clinical implications of the perception of time in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a review.Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:3918-3924. doi:10.12659/MSM.914225Munawar K, Choudhry F, Lee S, Siau C, Kadri N, Sulong R.Acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.Heliyon. 2021;7(8):e07842. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07842Petersen M, Nørgaard L, Traulsen J.Pursuing pleasures of productivity: University students' use of prescription stimulants for enhancement and the moral uncertainty of making work fun.Culture Med Psychiatry. 2015;39:665-679. doi:10.1007/s11013-015-9457-4

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Niermann HC, Scheres A.The relation between procrastination and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in undergraduate students.Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2014;23(4):411-421. doi:10.1002/mpr.1440Altgassen M, Scheres A, Edel MA.Prospective memory (partially) mediates the link between ADHD symptoms and procrastination.Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2019;11(1):59-71. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0273-xOguchi M, Takahashi T, Nitta Y, Kumano H.The moderating effect of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms on the relationship between procrastination and internalizing symptoms in the general adult population.Front Psychol. 2021;12:708579. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708579Adamou M, Asherson P, Arif M, et al.Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03070-zPtacek R, Weissenberger S, Braaten E, et al.Clinical implications of the perception of time in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a review.Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:3918-3924. doi:10.12659/MSM.914225Munawar K, Choudhry F, Lee S, Siau C, Kadri N, Sulong R.Acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.Heliyon. 2021;7(8):e07842. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07842Petersen M, Nørgaard L, Traulsen J.Pursuing pleasures of productivity: University students' use of prescription stimulants for enhancement and the moral uncertainty of making work fun.Culture Med Psychiatry. 2015;39:665-679. doi:10.1007/s11013-015-9457-4

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.

National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Niermann HC, Scheres A.The relation between procrastination and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in undergraduate students.Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2014;23(4):411-421. doi:10.1002/mpr.1440

Altgassen M, Scheres A, Edel MA.Prospective memory (partially) mediates the link between ADHD symptoms and procrastination.Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2019;11(1):59-71. doi:10.1007/s12402-018-0273-x

Oguchi M, Takahashi T, Nitta Y, Kumano H.The moderating effect of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms on the relationship between procrastination and internalizing symptoms in the general adult population.Front Psychol. 2021;12:708579. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.708579

Adamou M, Asherson P, Arif M, et al.Recommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD network.BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):72. doi:10.1186/s12888-021-03070-z

Ptacek R, Weissenberger S, Braaten E, et al.Clinical implications of the perception of time in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): a review.Med Sci Monit. 2019;25:3918-3924. doi:10.12659/MSM.914225

Munawar K, Choudhry F, Lee S, Siau C, Kadri N, Sulong R.Acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.Heliyon. 2021;7(8):e07842. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07842

Petersen M, Nørgaard L, Traulsen J.Pursuing pleasures of productivity: University students' use of prescription stimulants for enhancement and the moral uncertainty of making work fun.Culture Med Psychiatry. 2015;39:665-679. doi:10.1007/s11013-015-9457-4

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