Attention and organisation difficulties may also be associated with anxiety, depression, insufficient sleep, prolonged stress, trauma, medications, substance use and some physical or neurological conditions.

Anxiety and ADHD

Anxiety can affect attention and working memory. A person experiencing anxiety may reread an email because they are worried that they have made a mistake or offended someone. A person with ADHD may repeatedly check their bag, emails or calendar because experience has taught them that important things may otherwise be missed. Anxiety may still require support in its own right.

Depression and ADHD

During depression, decision-making and the ability to hold information in mind may decline. With ADHD, similar difficulties can often be identified in childhood and during periods when the person’s mood was better. The assessment therefore considers whether the difficulties began during a depressive period or have been present throughout life.

Sleep and physical health

Poor sleep can increase forgetfulness and mistakes. If attention improves with better sleep, insufficient sleep may be part of the explanation. Where appropriate, an assessment may also consider hearing or vision difficulties, thyroid dysfunction, anaemia, neurological conditions and medication side effects. Further investigations depend on the person’s symptoms and medical history.