How Workplace Burnout Manifests in ADHD and Its Impact

1. Hyperfocus & Overworking

Hyperfocus can be an amazing asset—until it’s not. It can lead to:

• Working long hours without breaks and ignoring basic needs like food and rest or even using the bathroom, as some of my clients have told me.
• Becoming so immersed in tasks that time vanishes, leading to extended working hours to catch up on the other responsibilities.
• Burning out by pushing past mental and physical limits. As an ADHDer, you may be more attuned to external stimuli, resulting in less attunement to internal signals and needs, leading to not noticing when you need to stop. This is known as low Interoceptive Awareness.

2. Time Blindness & Overcommitment

If you’ve ever looked up from your work and realised hours have vanished, you know what I mean. Many struggle to estimate how long tasks will take, leading to:

• Saying “yes” to too many commitments.
• Underestimating recovery time after a prolonged period of effort leads to chronic exhaustion.
• Feeling constantly behind and overwhelmed by looming deadlines.

3. Difficulty with Self-Monitoring

So many clients tell me they don’t realise they’re burning out until they’re already in shutdown mode. Not recognising how much energy, time, and attention is being expended until completely depleted.

This can look like:

• Feeling stuck no matter how hard you try.
• Drowning in tasks and ending most days exhausted.
• Withdrawing from social or enjoyable activities.

4. Rejection Sensitivity & Perfectionism

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) can make someone push harder to prove themselves. I’ve seen this firsthand in my work with professionals and leaders with ADHD, where burnout is often fueled by:

• Overworking is a way to strengthen self-worth and identity.
• Taking on more responsibilities to avoid disappointing others.
• Pushing through exhaustion to maintain high performance.