ADHD and fatigue are closely interconnected, and individuals with ADHD often experience fatigue, burnout, and brain fog. Daily functioning, sensory and interpersonal challenges, and environmental stressors can be mentally and physically draining. In addition to ADHD comorbidities such as anxiety and depression, psychiatric medications can directly or indirectly affect individuals’ energy levels, leading to chronic fatigue.
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What Is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD are typically presented as being inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of both, interfering with daily functioning and development.1 Research suggests ADHD is linked to a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.2 The ADHD brain is wired uniquely, processing attention, emotions, and sensory input differently from neurotypical brains.
Does ADHD Cause Fatigue?
While individuals with ADHD may experience periods of hyperactivity and restlessness, they also frequently struggle with mental exhaustion and physical fatigue. As the ADHD neurodivergent brain is wired differently, it affects individuals’ dopamine levels, which play a significant role in motivation, reward, pleasure, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and circadian rhythm.3
Additionally, the ADHD brain processes sensory input differently, which may result in individuals feeling overwhelmed and needing to take a moment to ‘recharge’. Given the pressures of modern society, such challenges can hinder focus and productivity, increasing stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction with work and interpersonal relationships.4
ADHD Symptoms That Can Cause Fatigue
Several aspects of the neurodivergent ADHD brain can contribute to fatigue. One key factor is the imbalance of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. The ADHD brain often has lower dopamine levels, resulting in ADHD-induced forgetfulness, motivation, sleep, and sustained mental effort. These challenges can lead to increased mental and physical fatigue, as the person may overcompensate to stay engaged and attentive.5
ADHD symptoms that can cause fatigue include:
Hyperactivity
ADHD hyperactivity is characterized by excessive movement and a constant need for stimulation. This can lead to fatigue, as individuals with ADHD may struggle to sit still, engaging in restless behaviors. When ADHD hyperactivity prevents someone from properly winding down and adhering to a regular sleep schedule, it can result in sleep deprivation and overall fatigue.
Hyperfixation
ADHD hyperfixation is characterized by an intense focus on an activity, object, or people. This hyperfocus can consume a person’s attention and make it difficult to transition into other activities, leading to heightened mental and physical arousal. As a result, individuals with ADHD may lose track of time and stay up late, impacting their sleep quality.
Dopamine
Research shows that ADHD brains produce lower dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter crucial in regulating sleep. Dopamine helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle by promoting wakefulness during the day and initiating sleep at night. When dopamine levels are lower, this delicate balance is disrupted, impacting overall sleep quality and one’s ability to fall and stay asleep throughout the night.3, 5
Feeling Overwhelmed
Challenges in executive functioning can make it difficult for individuals with ADHD to prioritize tasks and estimate how long it will take to complete them. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed, which exacerbates fatigue.
Sensory Overload
In addition to difficulties with executive functioning, individuals with ADHD may also experience sensory overload. This means they may be more sensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells. These sensory inputs can easily overwhelm their already overactive minds, resulting in exhaustion and difficulty focusing on tasks or engaging in social interactions.
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Other ADHD-Related Issues That Can Cause Fatigue
ADHD can co-occur with other conditions contributing to fatigue.6, 7 Some common examples include sleep problems, anxiety, depression, overcompensating and over-committing behaviors. These additional challenges can further drain a person’s energy and compromise their quality of life.
Other issues related to ADHD that can cause fatigue are:
Sleep Problems
ADHD and sleep problems often go hand in hand. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with sleep due to difficulties regulating their internal clock, winding down and losing track of time. The hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD can make it challenging to relax before bedtime, resulting in difficulties falling or staying asleep throughout the night. Common sleep issues among individuals with ADHD include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea.5
Anxiety
ADHD and anxiety is another common co-occurring condition that significantly increases fatigue levels. The constant worry, racing thoughts, and heightened arousal associated with anxiety make it difficult for individuals to achieve a restful state. This can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, poor appetite, muscle tension, and increased heart rate, further exacerbating tiredness.
Depression
The co-occurrence of ADHD and depression can significantly contribute to feelings of fatigue as it overwhelms individuals’ nervous systems. The persistent sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation associated with depression can make even simple tasks exhausting. Disrupted sleep patterns and changes in appetite and weight can further drain energy levels.
Overcompensating & Over-Committing
Time management and organization challenges may lead individuals with ADHD to try to catch up and feel overwhelmed constantly. External and inner pressure may result in individuals overcompensating or pushing themselves to meet expectations and make up for ‘perceived shortcomings’. This constant pressure and overcommitment can quickly drain energy levels and contribute to feelings of fatigue.
ADHD Medications & Fatigue
The relationship between ADHD medications and fatigue is complex and multifaceted. While ADHD medications may not directly cause fatigue, they can contribute indirectly. One potential reason is that ADHD medication side effects can suppress appetite and disrupt sleep patterns, reducing energy levels during the day. Some individuals with ADHD may also be taking antidepressants for co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety, which can have side effects, including fatigue.
When assessing the role of medication in ADHD fatigue, healthcare professionals will consider all the medications an individual takes and the potential interactions. They will also closely monitor and adjust medication dosage to mitigate side effects and enhance overall well-being. Moreover, non-pharmacological approaches such as therapy and lifestyle modifications should be considered adjuncts to medication management to address ADHD fatigue.
10 Strategies To Help Cope With ADHD Fatigue
While addressing ADHD fatigue can be challenging; there are healthy ways to cope. Certain lifestyle changes can greatly improve a person’s symptoms of ADHD fatigue, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in regular exercise, and practicing stress management techniques. Additionally, incorporating a balanced diet, reducing caffeine intake, and creating a structured daily routine can help increase energy levels. By making these healthy lifestyle changes, individuals with ADHD can better cope with fatigue and experience improved overall well-being.
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Here are 10 tips for coping with ADHD fatigue:
- Eating a healthy diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide the necessary nutrients and energy to combat fatigue. There are also other natural remedies for ADHD to consider.
- Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain proper hydration levels, which can help alleviate fatigue symptoms.
- Prioritizing sleep: Establishing good sleep hygiene habits with a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring adequate sleep each night can significantly reduce fatigue.
- Limiting screen time: Excessive use of electronic devices can lead to mental fatigue and a lack of focus. Setting limits on screen time, especially before bedtime, can promote better rest and reduce ADHD-related fatigue.
- Regular exercise: Engaging in physical activity regularly boosts energy levels, improves focus, and reduces symptoms of fatigue.
- Managing stress: Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness, can help reduce the impact of stress on ADHD symptoms and improve overall energy levels.
- Take advantage of your calendar: Use your calendar to set reminders and time for tasks and self-care. It helps to stay on track and feel accomplished.
- Break tasks into smaller chunks: Breaking down tasks into manageable segments can help prevent overwhelm.
- Take self-care breaks: Incorporate short breaks throughout the day to recharge and prevent mental exhaustion.
- Seeking support: Connecting with support groups and mental health providers specializing in ADHD treatment can provide valuable guidance and encouragement in managing ADHD symptoms and fatigue.
When to Seek Professional Support
When symptoms of ADHD start interfering with individuals’ daily functioning, energy levels, and quality of life, it is important to seek professional help. Generally, comprehensive treatment for ADHD fatigue in adults involves a combination of medication management, psychoeducation, skills training, and psychological counseling. When seeking professional help, finding a neurodiverse-affirming therapist and psychiatrist with experience diagnosing and treating these conditions is essential.
Online Psychiatry For ADHD Covered By Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
One way to find neurodiverse-affirming professionals is through an online therapist directory or online therapy platforms. These platforms, which may include online psychiatry options, often have filters allowing individuals to search for professionals specializing in fatigue and ADHD treatment. Additionally, they may provide information about mental health professionals’ approach to neurodiversity and their experience working with individuals with ADHD.
In My Experience
ADHD fatigue is a multifaceted issue that can significantly impact well-being. In my experience as a neuro-psychotherapist specializing in treating adult ADHD, I have encountered many patients navigating ADHD fatigue or burnout.
In addition to the factors addressed in this article, entering adulthood may also mean having a more cognitively and emotionally complex life, which can be exhausting. We go through psychosocial turning points related to deepening intimacy in relationships and contributing to the world through family and career development.8 What once was doable for neurodivergent and neurotypical brains can become challenging, not because we are not “good enough” but because we may have a lot on our plate.
As we all have unique needs and experiences, it is essential to find a treatment for ADHD fatigue that works best for you. Various evidence-based approaches, such as compassion-focused therapy (CFT), medication management, and support groups, can be effective. Additionally, strong support systems, including friends and family, can provide respite and encouragement.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
ADHD Management Tools
Inflow App Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical
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