Many people with ADHD describe feeling constantly exhausted. This exhaustion can be mental, emotional, physical, or a mix of all three. While ADHD is often associated with hyperactivity or restlessness, chronic fatigue is a lesser-discussed but deeply impactful experience. Understanding this link can be the first step towards managing it more effectively.
Why ADHD Can Be So Draining.
ADHD brains work harder to regulate attention, emotions and impulses. This means that everyday tasks like organising, switching focus, and filtering distractions often require sustained mental effort. Itâs also likely that people with ADHD will experience higher levels of cognitive load, which can contribute to mental fatigue and burnout, while sleep difficulties are also common in ADHD, further compounding exhaustion.Â
ADHD and Chronic Fatigue: Overlap, Not Contradiction.
While ADHD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) are distinct conditions, they share overlapping symptoms including:
Brain fog
Poor concentration
Sleep disruption
Low stamina
This overlap can make differentiation difficult and highlights the importance of thorough assessment to rule out other medical causes such as anaemia, thyroid conditions or sleep apnoea.
Spoon Theory: A Helpful Framework.
Many people with ADHD and fatigue find spoon theory a useful way to understand energy limits. Originally developed by Christine Miserandino, it frames energy as a finite resource that must be carefully allocated. For ADHD, managing âspoonsâ or energy levels means recognising that mental effort counts and pacing accordingly.
Managing Fatigue Alongside ADHD.
Evidence-informed strategies include:
Consistent sleep routines
Task prioritisation and pacing
Planned rest
Medication management where appropriate
Addressing co-existing health conditions
Most importantly, managing fatigue with ADHD requires self-compassion. Burnout is not a personal failure but simply a sign of unmet needs. An expert ADHD clinic is able to provide a detailed ADHD assessment and create a holistic treatment plan, helping you to manage your mental fatigue.
Looking Forward.
With the right support, people with ADHD can learn to manage energy sustainably, reduce burnout, and build routines that work with their brains, not against them. The most important thing is to get a proper assessment and treatment plan as soon as possible. The sooner you start to tackle different parts of your ADHD, the sooner you can move towards flourishing.
