ADHD and Fatigue

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is commonly associated with symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, one of the lesser-known challenges for individuals with ADHD is the experience of chronic fatigue. Many adults with ADHD report feelings of exhaustion that can affect both their physical and mental wellbeing. 

This article explores the connection between ADHD and fatigue, how it differs from other conditions like depression, and what treatments are available to help manage it effectively. We will also discuss how services like Oxford CBT can offer support through ADHD tests for London, Oxfordshire and surrounding areas, tailored therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

ADHD and fatigue may also be linked to, or exacerbate, other symptoms. You may also wish to read our article on ADHD Headaches if you or a loved one is affected in this way. 

Can ADHD Cause Extreme Fatigue?

If you or a loved one is living with ADHD, you may already know how draining it can be to manage the daily symptoms of inattention and restlessness. What you might not realise is that many people with ADHD experience a deep, persistent fatigue that can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. This isn’t the kind of tiredness that can be fixed with a good night’s sleep—it’s a mental and physical exhaustion that lingers, no matter how much rest you get.

Imagine starting your day already feeling like you’ve run a marathon. You wake up after what should have been a full night’s sleep, but instead of feeling refreshed, you’re exhausted before you’ve even got up out of bed. You may struggle to focus at work or school, but the effort it takes to stay on track leaves you feeling like your brain is constantly in overdrive. 

By midday, you may feel completely wiped out, struggling to keep your eyes open or your mind from wandering. Tasks that used to feel easy—like answering emails or having a conversation—might now feel insurmountable because your mental energy is already depleted.

This level of fatigue goes beyond just feeling “tired” after a busy day. You may feel physically worn down, like your body is heavy and sluggish, while your mind continues to race. Even when you try to rest, the restlessness often associated with ADHD can make it hard to relax fully. 

Your mind may be buzzing with thoughts, plans, or anxieties, preventing you from getting the restorative sleep you desperately need. It’s a vicious cycle—mental exhaustion leads to poor sleep, and poor sleep leads to more fatigue.

If this sounds familiar, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. ADHD-related fatigue can be incredibly isolating, especially when others around you don’t understand why you’re so tired all the time. But this exhaustion is real, and it’s a common experience for many people with ADHD. Recognising this connection is the first step toward finding strategies that can help you break the cycle and regain some of your energy.

ADHD Fatigue vs Depression: Understanding the Difference

When you or a loved one is experiencing constant fatigue, it can be hard to tell whether it’s related to ADHD or something else, like depression. Both conditions can leave you feeling drained and mentally foggy, but the underlying causes and the way fatigue manifests can be quite different. Understanding these differences can help you find the right approach to managing your exhaustion.

ADHD-related fatigue often comes from the constant mental effort required to focus and stay organised. You might feel like your brain is always running on overdrive, trying to keep up with tasks, conversations, or even just staying still. This can lead to a unique type of mental exhaustion—one where your mind feels overloaded but your body remains restless, making it hard to wind down or feel truly relaxed. As a result, your fatigue may fluctuate throughout the day, hitting hard after periods of intense focus or activity.

On the other hand, depression-related fatigue is more pervasive. It’s the kind of exhaustion that doesn’t go away, no matter how much you rest. With depression, you might feel a heavy, unshakeable tiredness that makes getting out of bed or starting even small tasks feel impossible. 

Unlike ADHD fatigue, which is tied to the mental effort of maintaining focus, depression fatigue often feels like a weight on your entire being, leaving you physically and emotionally drained. In this case, motivation tends to disappear, and the fatigue can feel all-consuming.

One way to determine whether your fatigue is linked to ADHD or depression is to consider how you feel when you’re engaged in something you enjoy. People with ADHD often feel energised or hyper-focused when they’re interested in a task, even if they were exhausted just moments before. With depression, however, even activities you once loved may feel joyless, and no amount of excitement seems to lift the fatigue.

It’s also important to look at the patterns of your fatigue. If your tiredness seems to come and go depending on how demanding your day has been mentally, it’s more likely linked to ADHD. But if you’re feeling constantly drained and find it difficult to muster any energy, it could be a sign of depression or another condition.

Below is a table comparing the key differences and similarities between ADHD fatigue and depression fatigue. This should help clarify how the two conditions overlap in certain areas, while also highlighting important distinctions that can guide treatment and understanding, making it easier to determine the potential root cause of the exhaustion.

Aspect	ADHD Fatigue	Depression Fatigue	Similarities
Cause	Related to the constant effort of focusing, staying organised, and managing impulsivity	Linked to persistent sadness, emotional numbness, or chemical imbalances	Both conditions can result in a significant, long-lasting sense of tiredness
Mental Energy	Feels mentally drained after periods of intense focus or effort	Constant mental exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest	Both can cause a sense of mental fog or cognitive overload

Recognising these differences is really helpful for finding the right treatment. If you suspect your fatigue is related to ADHD, managing your symptoms through therapy or lifestyle changes could help improve your energy levels. However, if you’re also experiencing other signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or changes in appetite and sleep, it may be time to seek support for depression as well. 

What Does ADHD Burnout Feel Like?

ADHD burnout can feel like you’ve hit a wall that you just can’t push past, no matter how hard you try. It’s more than just a bad day or feeling worn out—ADHD burnout is a state of complete mental and physical exhaustion that results from constantly managing the challenges of ADHD. For those with ADHD, the burnout cycle can be overwhelming, leaving you drained, irritable, and struggling to find motivation.

Imagine you’re trying to juggle a hundred things at once—work deadlines, family obligations, keeping up with chores—while your mind is racing in different directions. Every day, you use all your energy to stay focused and keep everything from falling apart. Eventually, this effort catches up to you. 

One day, it feels like your brain simply can’t handle another task. You might sit down to get something done, but instead of your usual restlessness, you feel an overwhelming sense of paralysis—you just can’t get started.

Symptoms of ADHD burnout go beyond the typical tiredness. You may experience extreme exhaustion, where no amount of sleep seems to help, and your body feels like it’s running on empty. Tasks that used to feel manageable now feel insurmountable, leading to decreased motivation. Even getting dressed or replying to an email can feel like monumental efforts.

On top of the exhaustion, there’s often irritability. Small things that wouldn’t usually bother you—like a co-worker asking a simple question or a family member making noise—might now trigger frustration or anger. It’s like your patience has completely worn thin. The emotional toll of ADHD burnout can also make it hard to regulate your feelings, leaving you feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed by minor challenges.

ADHD burnout can significantly affect daily life. At work, you may find it impossible to stay focused or keep up with your usual responsibilities. At home, relationships may become strained as you withdraw or lash out from sheer exhaustion. Social engagements might feel too overwhelming, and you could start avoiding things you normally enjoy.

If this sounds familiar, it’s important to recognise that ADHD burnout is not a sign of failure—it’s the result of trying to manage a condition that requires significant energy and effort. The good news is that burnout is a signal that your mind and body need a break, and with the right strategies, like therapy, time management techniques, and setting boundaries, you can recover and regain balance.

What Does ADHD Burnout Feel Like in Children and Adults?

ADHD burnout can affect both children and adults, but it often manifests differently depending on age. While the core symptoms of extreme exhaustion, irritability, and decreased motivation are present in both, the way they appear and impact daily life varies between children and adults. Here’s a more detailed look at how ADHD burnout affects each group:

ADHD Burnout in Children

For children, ADHD burnout can be particularly challenging because they often don’t have the words or self-awareness to express what’s going on. Burnout in children with ADHD may manifest as behavioural and emotional outbursts, as well as physical exhaustion.

• Extreme Exhaustion: A child who usually has endless energy may suddenly seem tired all the time. They might complain about being sleepy, or you may notice they are unusually quiet and withdrawn. Physical signs can include wanting to nap during the day, slumping over their schoolwork, or being unable to keep up with activities they once enjoyed, like playing outside or participating in sports. The constant effort to stay focused at school, combined with sensory overload, can leave them feeling drained.
• Irritability: A once happy and outgoing child might start lashing out over small frustrations. You may notice they become easily upset, cry over seemingly minor issues, or have temper tantrums more frequently than usual. For instance, they might get frustrated if they can’t find a toy or if their homework feels too hard, even when it’s something they normally manage. Their tolerance for stress decreases, and simple requests may lead to emotional outbursts.
• Decreased Motivation: Children experiencing ADHD burnout may start refusing to do tasks they normally enjoy, like playing games, drawing, or engaging with friends. Schoolwork can become a battle—assignments they once attempted with enthusiasm may now be met with refusal or tears. They might seem uninterested in school, avoid after-school activities, or show a lack of motivation for routine tasks like getting dressed or brushing their teeth.

ADHD Burnout in Adults

For adults, ADHD burnout tends to manifest in a more subtle yet deeply impactful way. Since adults are expected to manage their responsibilities independently, they often experience burnout as a result of constantly battling their ADHD symptoms while juggling the demands of work, family, and daily life.

• Extreme Exhaustion: Adults with ADHD burnout may find that getting out of bed feels like an insurmountable task. Even after a full night’s sleep, they feel tired—both physically and mentally. This exhaustion can manifest as the inability to concentrate or complete tasks at work. It’s as though their mental energy has been completely depleted. Imagine trying to sit down and focus on a report, but your brain feels like it’s full of fog, unable to grasp even simple concepts.
• Irritability: Adults experiencing ADHD burnout often become short-tempered and irritable. Small annoyances—like a colleague sending an email or the sound of a ticking clock—might trigger a disproportionate reaction. They may snap at loved ones over trivial matters, feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of distractions or expectations. The irritability can lead to tension in relationships, as they might feel misunderstood or unsupported, causing further emotional strain.
• Decreased Motivation: Adults with ADHD burnout may find themselves procrastinating on even basic tasks. The laundry piles up, emails go unanswered, and bills remain unpaid—not because they don’t care, but because the effort to start any task feels too overwhelming. Projects at work that once felt exciting may now feel like a burden, and they may withdraw from social activities or hobbies that they used to enjoy. Adults with ADHD may also feel stuck in a cycle of guilt and frustration, knowing they need to get things done but feeling incapable of taking action.

Impact on Daily Life for Both Children and Adults

• Children: ADHD burnout can severely affect a child’s ability to function at school. They may struggle to pay attention in class, complete their homework, or follow instructions, which can lead to a drop in academic performance. At home, relationships with parents and siblings may become strained due to frequent meltdowns or refusal to participate in family activities.
• Adults: In adults, ADHD burnout can interfere with work performance, leading to missed deadlines, poor productivity, or even job loss. At home, they may feel overwhelmed by household tasks, neglect personal care, or struggle to maintain relationships with partners and friends. The constant fatigue and emotional toll can lead to feelings of isolation and helplessness.

Managing ADHD Burnout in Children and Adults

Recognising ADHD burnout early is crucial for both children and adults. For children, creating a routine that includes plenty of breaks, sleep, and time for physical activity can help. In some cases, therapy or adjusted academic plans may be necessary to manage the demands of school.

For adults, addressing burnout involves setting realistic expectations, managing stress, and seeking professional support when needed. Techniques such as time management strategies, therapy, and building a support network can be effective in preventing and recovering from ADHD burnout.

In both children and adults, it’s essential to create a balance between activity and rest to prevent burnout from recurring, allowing individuals to manage their ADHD symptoms without reaching the point of total exhaustion.

Inattentive ADHD and Fatigue

Inattentive ADHD, a subtype of ADHD, is often characterised by difficulty sustaining focus, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted rather than hyperactive or impulsive behaviours. While these symptoms may seem less obvious or disruptive than other forms of ADHD, they can lead to significant mental and physical fatigue over time.

How Inattentive ADHD Contributes to Fatigue

For people with inattentive ADHD, the effort required to stay focused on tasks, remember details, and organise daily life can be exhausting. Unlike those who experience hyperactivity, individuals with inattentive ADHD often appear quiet or withdrawn, but underneath the surface, their brain is working overtime to keep up. This constant mental effort leads to what many describe as “cognitive fatigue”—a sense of exhaustion that affects their ability to think clearly or stay engaged.

Imagine trying to focus on a simple task, like reading a book or working on a project, but every few minutes, your mind wanders. You have to continually pull yourself back to the task, often losing track of what you were doing. Over the course of a day, this ongoing struggle to concentrate can leave you feeling drained, much like a battery that is constantly being depleted without fully recharging.

Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD That Worsen Fatigue

Several symptoms of inattentive ADHD can worsen fatigue, making daily life feel more exhausting than it should be:

• Difficulty Sustaining Attention: One of the hallmark symptoms of inattentive ADHD is the struggle to stay focused on a task for long periods. Whether it’s working on an assignment, reading, or even engaging in a conversation, the mind frequently drifts. The mental energy required to repeatedly refocus can leave someone feeling mentally exhausted, especially when the task demands prolonged concentration.
• Forgetfulness and Disorganisation: People with inattentive ADHD often struggle with forgetfulness and disorganisation. Keeping track of appointments, remembering deadlines, or even maintaining a tidy space can become overwhelming. The constant need to backtrack or catch up—finding lost items, recalling forgotten information—adds another layer of fatigue. It’s like trying to run a race where you keep falling behind, and no matter how much you push, you can’t quite catch up.
• Daydreaming and Mind Wandering: While those with hyperactive ADHD may be physically restless, people with inattentive ADHD often experience mental restlessness. Their thoughts may wander frequently, making it difficult to stay engaged with the task at hand. This mental drifting not only disrupts productivity but also makes it harder to relax, even during downtime. The brain doesn’t get a chance to fully rest, contributing to ongoing fatigue.
• Procrastination and Task Paralysis: Due to difficulty organising thoughts and prioritising tasks, individuals with inattentive ADHD often struggle with procrastination. The pressure of unfinished work and looming deadlines creates stress, which further drains mental energy. The emotional toll of knowing you need to start a task but feeling incapable of doing so adds to the overall fatigue. This is often referred to as “task paralysis,” where the weight of incomplete tasks leaves you feeling stuck.
• Poor Sleep Habits: Fatigue in inattentive ADHD can also be linked to poor sleep habits. Individuals with ADHD, in general, may struggle with irregular sleep schedules, insomnia, or difficulty winding down at night. For those with inattentive ADHD, the mind may continue to race at bedtime, replaying the events of the day or worrying about unfinished tasks. Over time, poor sleep leads to chronic fatigue, compounding the exhaustion caused by daytime symptoms.

Breaking the Cycle of Fatigue

Managing the fatigue that comes with inattentive ADHD involves a combination of addressing the underlying ADHD symptoms and improving sleep hygiene. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), time management techniques, and mindfulness practices can help manage distractibility and procrastination, allowing for more efficient use of mental energy.

For those with inattentive ADHD, it’s important to recognise that the fatigue you feel is not just about being tired—it’s the result of your brain working overtime. By developing coping strategies and seeking support, you can reduce the mental strain and improve your overall energy levels.

ADHD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Is There a Connection?

If you or someone you know has ADHD and also struggles with extreme, persistent fatigue, you may wonder whether there’s a link between ADHD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). While the two conditions are distinct, they do share some overlapping symptoms, including debilitating tiredness and concentration difficulties, leading many to question whether there’s a relationship between the two.

People with ADHD are not necessarily more prone to developing CFS, but the mental and physical exhaustion caused by ADHD can mimic some aspects of CFS. In ADHD, fatigue often stems from the constant mental effort required to stay focused and manage distractions, whereas CFS is characterised by unrelenting tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest and can significantly impact daily activities for six months or more.

However, for some individuals with ADHD, the fatigue can become so severe that it mirrors the symptoms of CFS, blurring the lines between the two conditions. If you or your loved one experiences fatigue that doesn’t seem to improve with sleep or relaxation, and it’s affecting your ability to function, it’s worth exploring whether CFS could be present alongside ADHD.

Although research into the direct relationship between ADHD and CFS is still ongoing, managing ADHD symptoms through therapy, lifestyle changes, and proper rest can often alleviate some of the fatigue associated with both conditions. Consulting with a healthcare provider can also help clarify whether CFS or another condition might be contributing to ongoing tiredness, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

How to Treat ADHD Fatigue and Overcome Exhaustion

Managing ADHD fatigue involves a mix of practical lifestyle adjustments, therapeutic interventions, and self-care strategies to boost energy and prevent burnout. Whether you’re dealing with mental exhaustion from focusing or physical fatigue due to poor sleep, these steps can help you regain control over your energy levels.

1. Prioritise Good Sleep Hygiene

Poor sleep is a major contributor to fatigue in those with ADHD. Implementing good sleep hygiene can significantly improve energy levels.

• Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality. Research shows that consistent sleep routines are essential for individuals with ADHD to avoid chronic fatigue [1].
• Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Relaxing activities like reading or meditation before bed can signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Studies suggest that mindfulness techniques can improve sleep by reducing restlessness and racing thoughts [2].
• Avoid Stimulants Before Bed: Limiting caffeine, screen time, and other stimulating activities in the evening can prevent sleep disturbances, which are particularly common in people with ADHD [3].

2. Make Dietary Adjustments for Steady Energy

Your diet directly impacts your energy levels, and maintaining balanced nutrition is key to avoiding the energy crashes associated with ADHD.

• Eat Balanced, Regular Meals: Skipping meals or relying on sugary snacks can cause blood sugar spikes followed by energy crashes. A diet rich in proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps stabilise energy levels throughout the day [4].
• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen fatigue, so drinking enough water is essential for maintaining focus and energy. Evidence suggests that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, particularly in people with ADHD [5].
• Consider Omega-3 Supplements: Some studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids can improve focus and reduce ADHD symptoms, which may help alleviate associated fatigue [6].

3. Time Management and Organisational Strategies

Fatigue often stems from the mental overload of managing ADHD symptoms, but structured time management can reduce the strain on your mental energy.

• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination and exhaustion. Breaking tasks into manageable steps can help you stay organised and conserve mental energy [7].
• Use Timers and Breaks: Tools like the Pomodoro technique, which involves working in short bursts followed by breaks, have been shown to help people with ADHD manage their time more effectively, reducing mental fatigue [8].
• Prioritise Tasks: Focus on completing high-priority tasks when your energy levels are highest, and save less demanding activities for when you feel more fatigued. This strategy can help you conserve energy and avoid burnout [9].

4. Engage in Physical Activity

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat ADHD fatigue. Physical activity boosts mood, improves focus, and helps regulate energy levels.

• Incorporate Regular Exercise: Exercise has been shown to improve concentration and reduce ADHD symptoms. It also helps release endorphins, which boost mood and reduce feelings of exhaustion [10].
• Choose Activities You Enjoy: Whether it’s walking, yoga, or a team sport, engaging in physical activity you find enjoyable ensures that you’re more likely to stick with it, reaping long-term benefits for both physical and mental energy [11].

5. Manage Stress and Practice Relaxation

Stress exacerbates ADHD symptoms and contributes to fatigue. Learning relaxation techniques can help manage stress and restore energy.

• Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: These techniques have been found to reduce stress and improve focus in people with ADHD, contributing to less mental fatigue over time [12].
• Take Regular Breaks: Allowing yourself time to rest between tasks is crucial. Overworking without breaks leads to burnout, so it’s important to pace yourself throughout the day [13].

6. Seek Professional Support

If ADHD-related fatigue becomes overwhelming, professional therapies can help you better manage your symptoms.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is highly effective in helping individuals with ADHD develop coping mechanisms for managing fatigue, stress, and time management challenges [14].
• Medication Review: If you’re on ADHD medication, consulting your doctor about adjusting your dosage or type of medication might help alleviate fatigue, as some medications can affect energy levels [15].

By integrating these strategies—improving sleep, diet, and time management, along with regular exercise and stress reduction techniques—you can alleviate the exhaustion associated with ADHD and regain your energy and focus.

Does ADHD Medication Help with Tiredness?

ADHD medications, particularly stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall), are primarily prescribed to help manage symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In some cases, these medications can also help reduce the fatigue that individuals with ADHD often experience. 

By improving focus and regulating energy levels, stimulants can help you stay more engaged and less mentally drained throughout the day. Many people find that their concentration and productivity increase with medication, which can indirectly reduce feelings of tiredness [16].

However, while stimulants can be effective for managing ADHD symptoms, they are not specifically designed to combat fatigue, and in some cases, they may cause side effects that worsen tiredness. For example, stimulants can sometimes lead to sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, which in turn can contribute to chronic fatigue. Over time, this can lead to a cycle where poor sleep worsens ADHD symptoms and results in more exhaustion [17]. 

Non-stimulant medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera), can also help with ADHD symptoms and may have fewer sleep-related side effects for some individuals, though their impact on fatigue varies.

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage to avoid exacerbating fatigue while treating ADHD effectively.

ADHD Fatigue Medication: What Options Are Available?

There are several options for managing fatigue in individuals with ADHD, including stimulant medications, non-stimulant alternatives, and natural options.

1. Stimulant Medications

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall) are the most common treatments for ADHD. These medications can help improve focus and reduce mental fatigue by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. However, as mentioned, stimulants may cause side effects like sleep problems, which can counteract their benefits by causing fatigue during the day [18].

2. Non-Stimulant Medications

• Atomoxetine (Strattera): This non-stimulant medication works by increasing levels of norepinephrine, helping with attention and impulse control without the risk of stimulating effects that disrupt sleep. Some people find it reduces their overall fatigue because it doesn’t interfere as much with sleep [19].
• Guanfacine (Intuniv): Another non-stimulant option, guanfacine, works by affecting receptors in the brain related to impulse control and attention. It’s also less likely to cause sleep issues, which can help reduce fatigue in the long run.

3. Natural Alternatives

For those who prefer to avoid medications, or in combination with prescribed treatments, there are several natural alternatives that can help alleviate ADHD fatigue:

• Omega-3 Supplements: Studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, can help improve ADHD symptoms like focus and attention, potentially reducing mental fatigue as well [20].
• Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Mindfulness practices and CBT techniques can be highly effective in managing both ADHD symptoms and associated fatigue by teaching individuals how to manage stress and improve time management, helping to conserve mental energy.

By exploring both medication and natural alternatives, individuals with ADHD can find a balanced approach to managing fatigue that works best for their unique needs.

How Oxford CBT Can Help with ADHD and Fatigue

At Oxford CBT, we understand that ADHD-related fatigue can be overwhelming, affecting your daily life, work, and overall wellbeing. Our tailored approach to treatment focuses on addressing not only the core symptoms of ADHD but also the secondary issues, like fatigue, that often accompany the condition.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD and Sleep Disorders

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for managing ADHD symptoms. At Oxford CBT, our therapists use CBT to help clients improve focus, reduce restlessness, and establish better habits for managing time and energy. By working through these core challenges, we aim to help individuals feel more in control of their mental and physical energy throughout the day.

CBT is also instrumental in treating sleep disorders, which are common among individuals with ADHD and a major contributor to chronic fatigue. Our approach includes addressing sleep hygiene, tackling insomnia, and creating personalised strategies to help clients wind down in the evening. By improving sleep quality, we help reduce the impact of fatigue, allowing clients to wake up feeling more refreshed and energised.

Personalised Strategies for Long-Term Improvement

At Oxford CBT, we recognise that everyone’s experience with ADHD is different. That’s why our treatment plans are fully personalised. We work with clients to develop strategies that fit their lifestyle, ensuring sustainable solutions that improve both ADHD symptoms and associated fatigue in the long term.

These strategies might include mindfulness exercises, stress management techniques, and practical tools to help clients organise their tasks and manage their time more effectively. The goal is to empower individuals to manage their ADHD in a way that conserves mental energy, improves focus, and reduces the exhaustion that so often accompanies the condition.

Conclusion

ADHD-related fatigue is a complex challenge, but with the right support, it can be managed. At Oxford CBT, we offer a comprehensive, personalised approach to help you navigate the symptoms of ADHD, improve your focus, and tackle the fatigue that impacts your everyday life. By combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with practical strategies for better sleep and energy management, we work with you to achieve long-term improvements in both mental and physical wellbeing. If you’re struggling with ADHD and fatigue, our expert team is here to help you regain control and restore your energy.

References

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[2] The effectiveness of mindfulness training on sleep disturbances: a systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric Research. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395618304315

[3] Caffeine and ADHD: How it can affect your symptoms. Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/caffeine-adhd 

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[9] Time management interventions for individuals with ADHD. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S107772291400086X

[10] The role of exercise in managing ADHD symptoms: A review of current literature. Frontiers in Psychology. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.560592/full 

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Author – Tom Murfitt

With over a decade’s experience in providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Tom has worked in both the NHS and private sector to help adults and children to overcome a range of difficulties and improve their mental wellbeing. In addition to being an experienced CBT therapist, Tom is also an accredited Mindfulness teacher, providing courses locally, in businesses and schools. You can read more about us here.  

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