ADHD and perfectionism

By Tara Drinks
Expert reviewed by Thomas E. Brown, PhD

At a glance
It’s not uncommon for people with ADHD to be perfectionists.
They can get very anxious about small details and “get stuck.”
Perfectionism can be overwhelming, but there are ways to help.
People with ADHD aren’t often thought of as perfectionists. On the surface, it might seem like they race through tasks and ignore details without worrying about the consequences. Still, some people with ADHD can be perfectionists.
The need to be perfect can be overwhelming. It can cause challenges at home, at school, and even on the job.
For women and girls with ADHD, perfectionism can be very common. Learn more on this episode of the ADHD Aha! podcast.
Dive deeper
ADHD and getting stuck
Perfectionism and anxiety
Perfectionism at school and work
How to help with perfectionism
About the author

About the author
Tara Drinks is an editor at Understood.
Reviewed by

Reviewed by
Thomas E. Brown, PhD has written many books on ADHD, including “Smart but Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD.” He’s the director of the Brown Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders.