An Exhausting Type Of Burnout Could Be A Sign Of ADHD

“Task paralysis” can make seemingly “easy” tasks feel impossible, while “pathological demand avoidance” (PDA) can manifest as “extreme procrastination”, consultant psychiatrist Dr Stefan Ivantu of the ADHD specialist, told us previously.

Both task paralysis and PDA can be signs of ADHD. And both can increase the risk of burnout, which is common among those with the condition.

In fact, sometimes, ADHD symptoms might be mistaken for “normal” fatigue.

“In terms of differentiation, yes, signs of ADHD are frequently misinterpreted as burnout in undiagnosed adults,” Dr Ivantu told us. 

“The exhaustion often comes from the immense effort required to fit in and function in a neurotypical environment, [like] the average workplace.” 

Here, we asked Dr Ivantu how to tell if burnout may be linked to ADHD. 

What are the signs that burnout comes from ADHD? 

Identifying the cause of burnout can be really important, Dr Ivantu said, because sleep disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and many others can look “exactly like burnout” to the untrained eye. 

“This is why it is vital to see a psychiatrist. As medically trained doctors, we have a deep understanding of how physical health conditions impact mental health and performance.

“Rushed assessments risk over-diagnosing ADHD while missing these underlying biological causes.” 

The only surefire way to make sure you know what’s behind your burnout, he added, is a “comprehensive” professional assessment. 

“In my practice, this takes a 2.5-hour consultation because we have to cover the full neurodevelopmental history from pregnancy, birth, and school years to adult life.

“It includes a psychiatric assessment to rule out other conditions or understand co-existing ones, alongside a structured diagnosis manual DIVA-5 interview and collateral information. It is complex, and it takes time.” 

But, he added, “A specific sign that burnout might be driven by ADHD is when the exhaustion is triggered by high-friction tasks”.

That can include “things like replying to emails, reading legal papers, checking terms and conditions, or filing taxes, rather than just the volume of work”. 

This pattern tends to be repeated throughout a person’s life, he added.

What if I suspect I have ADHD? 

If you suspect you have ADHD, the NHS recommends seeing a GP if symptoms like being easily distracted, forgetfulness, and impulsiveness are
“are affecting your studies, work or relationships”. 

And as Dr Ivantu said, if you have burnout for any reason, it may be worth speaking to an expert to find out its cause. 

“The key to an accurate diagnosis isn’t just getting an answer or label,” he told HuffPost UK.

“It’s ensuring the person can function effectively and sustainably in the long term.