ADHD and “analysis paralysis”

By Gail Belsky
Expert reviewed by Ellen Braaten, PhD

At a glance
It’s common for people with ADHD to have trouble making decisions.
Making decisions is a process that requires a handful of skills.
People with ADHD usually struggle with those skills.
Many people have a hard time making decisions. This can happen for different reasons. Some people may be anxious about making the wrong choice and have “analysis paralysis.”
But people with ADHD can have an especially tough time weighing options and choosing. That’s because they typically have trouble with the specific skills that go into decision-making.
Making decisions is a complex process. The first step is understanding the options. Then, you need to compare and consider them before choosing. Doing this involves:
- Getting the process going (initiating the task)
- Paying attention to the information
- Remembering details so you can compare
- Seeing different possibilities
- Knowing what each option entails
- Thinking about the consequences of the decision
These abilities are part of executive function, a group of skills that people with ADHD struggle with. Anxiety can also be a factor in indecision. ADHD and anxiety often co-occur.
Dive deeper
Difficulty with executive function
ADHD, anxiety, and “getting stuck”
What can help
About the author

About the author
Gail Belsky is executive editor at Understood. She has written and edited for major media outlets, specializing in parenting, health, and career content.
Reviewed by

Reviewed by
Ellen Braaten, PhD is a child psychologist, professor, and founding director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program (LEAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital.