eli5 – Can someone explain ADHD? Specifically the procrastination and inability to do “boring” tasks?
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I’ve read a few answers here. Many people I’ve seen have already talked about the difficulties of having ADHD, and I think that is the general answer to your question: people with ADHD typically have difficulty starting and finishing tasks, regardless of whether it is considered boring or not.
But I think there is some misunderstanding about procrastination. People typically do not habitually procrastinate because the task is perceived to be unfulfilling or unrewarding. If a task is perceived to be “boring,” most people are expected to complete it anyway.
Procrastination is an unhealthy coping mechanism (some might call it irrational, but I wonder if we in the field should move away from that terminology). It is a means by which an individual may “put-off” something stressful or uncomfortable. If the individual has developed a PATTERN of procrastinating, it likely means they have difficulties with regulating their thoughts/feelings/emotions–and yes, I do mean even if it is a “boring” task like unloading a dishwasher or taking out the trash.
I think it’s important we differentiate occasional procrastination from chronic procrastination. We all have procrastinated in our lives. I’m doing it right now (I’m supposed to be taking out the recycling but I’m on Reddit). This issue is this: how much of an impact does the procrastination have on the individual’s life (and how much does it affect those around them)? If we are talking chronic procrastination, as I believe we are based on your link to those with ADHD in the question, then I believe it is a matter of having developed some poor coping strategies to help deal with the overall stress/anxiety that accompanies trying to do something that probably does not feel like it comes naturally (planning and organizing)–whether that is a 25-page research paper or vacuuming the stairs.
It cannot be overstated how difficult (and random) initiating and finishing tasks is for the general population of those that suffer with ADHD. ADHD exists separate of how “boring” or “exciting” a task is to the individual, so I think you kind of get two answers to this one.
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