ADHD tired all the time

According to anecdotal evidence from people who have shared their ADHD stories online, many of them suffer from cognitive fog, low motivation, and exhaustion. Although fatigue is not one of the formal diagnostic criteria for ADHD, a few studies suggest that some persons with the disorder are fatigued.ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity. A person may become agitated, talkative, or fidgety as a result of this. As a result, it may appear surprising that ADHD might produce fatigue. Fatigue and hyperactivity, on the other hand, are two sides of the same coin for some people with ADHD.

In a 2019 study, 97 nurses and 310 non-nurses were assessed for a variety of mental health problems. The researchers discovered a link between ADHD and tiredness in nurses. Exhaustion was also linked to the presence of anxiety and depression, among other mental health symptoms. These broad conclusions were supported by a 2017 study.

Researchers have not convincingly demonstrated why ADHD causes exhaustion in certain people, but the condition's impact on dopamine may be one explanation.

Dopamine levels can be affected by ADHD, making it difficult for the body to adapt to this vital neurotransmitter. Motivation, reward, pleasure, emotional control, and executive function are all affected by dopamine.

Tasks may feel more demanding if there is a lack of drive or a sense of satisfaction from accomplishing them. Reduced executive function can also make it more difficult to plan and arrange one's life, resulting to a sense of disarray that can lead to feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion.

Causes of ADHD and exhaustion

The link between ADHD and exhaustion could be explained in a variety of ways.

ADHD can have an impact on motivation, according to Trusted Source. Daily duties might be daunting for some people, and they may struggle to fulfill them. This lack of drive can feel exhausting, particularly if a person is unable to keep up with their duties.

Furthermore, the stress that ADHD can bring, especially if a person's symptoms are not properly controlled, can be taxing. It might be difficult or frustrating to miss deadlines, forget schoolwork, or fail to meet domestic expectations.

People with ADHD are also more likely to have another mental health diagnosis, such as anxiety or depression, according to the research. Depression can sometimes lead to exhaustion or an inordinate amount of sleep. As a result, people with ADHD should seek medical counsel as soon as possible. A doctor can evaluate their symptoms and rule out the potential that they are suffering from another illness.

Fatigue is a symptom of treatment for some persons with ADHD, not the condition itself. Stimulant medicines, for example, might create exhaustion if a person abruptly ceases taking them, especially if they were taking large amounts. A stimulant overdose can also cause extreme weariness.