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Work Performance Challenges and Needs of Adults with ADHD: Exploring Lived Experiences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2025

N. Grinblat  and
S. Rosenblum
N. Grinblat*
Affiliation:
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
S. Rosenblum
Affiliation:
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly impacts adults’ work performance, yet their lived experiences and perceptions of their work challenges remain underexplored. Understanding these subjective viewpoints is crucial for capturing the complexities of this population’s daily work challenges and needs, serving as a foundational step in developing targeted intervention to enhance work performance and participation.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the work performance experiences, challenges, and needs of adults with ADHD.

Methods

Twelve adults (ages 20-46) diagnosed with ADHD participated in three separate online focus groups, each comprising four participants.

Results

Participants reported key challenges in executive functions, including difficulties with time management (lateness, missing deadlines), planning (prioritizing tasks, multitasking), working memory (forgetting instructions and names), maintaining focus, managing distractions, and emotional regulation (struggles in relationships with colleagues and employers). These challenges often led to frustration, stress, and low occupational self-efficacy. Identified needs included psychoeducation, self-regulation strategies, work and environment accommodations, and personalized interventions.

Conclusions

The study highlights the unique executive challenges and emotional consequences faced by working adults with ADHD. Hence, it emphasizes the need for personalized interventions to enhance work performance, participation, and overall well-being in this population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Information

Type
Abstract
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 68 , Special Issue S1: Abstracts of the 33rd European Congress of Psychiatry , April 2025 , pp. S1072
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of European Psychiatric Association
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