ADHD burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion that can develop in people who struggle with active symptoms of ADHD. It is a specific kind of burnout that can be caused by long-term, unmanaged ADHD symptoms and stressors. ADHD burnout often involves a general worsening of a person’s mental health, including their ADHD symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD burnout include a loss of motivation, energy, and productivity, feeling overwhelmed or having toxic levels of stress, wanting to run away or escape, feeling more moody, depressed, or emotionally unstable, irritability, cynicism, and guilt.

People with ADHD work harder to do things that most people do with little effort, and the symptoms of ADHD, such as not being organized, trouble paying attention, and poor time management, add to burnout. Other problems specific to people with ADHD also add fuel to burnout. For example, ADHDers experience something called ‘hyperfocus,’ periods of time in which they are transfixed and fully focused on a subject or project. These periods can last from hours to days, and they often neglect taking care of themselves when they are hyperfocused. They don’t eat right, sleep well, etc. This often leads them to burnout more quickly.

To prevent ADHD burnout, it is essential to affirm self-worth, practice saying "no" without apologizing, and implement sensory activities, special interests, and rest. It is also important to recognize and address ADHD burnout as it can significantly impact ones quality of life and overall well-being. Recovering from ADHD burnout is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to experiment with different strategies to find what works best for each individual. Seeking help from a mental health professional can also be beneficial in reducing stress and avoiding burnout.