Does time go slower for people with ADHD?

Those with ADHD experience time differently. Their internal clocks seem to run faster, making them feel that time is passing more slowly than it should. This unique perception of time has been documented in studies, such as one by Zheng et al., 2022. Their research indicated that children with ADHD generally show lower accuracy in time perception tasks. These children perceive time as longer than their typically developing peers, hinting at a faster internal clock among individuals with ADHD.

An observational study comparing kids with and without ADHD supports this finding. It revealed vital insights: ADHD children overestimate the duration of events, struggle to adapt to small changes in time lengths, and perceive time as passing more slowly than it does.

The difference in time perception becomes more evident with more extended periods. Kerns et al., 2001, found that children with ADHD made larger errors in time reproduction as the target duration increased. Both ADHD and control groups tended to underestimate time intervals, but this trend was more pronounced and increasingly prominent in the ADHD group as durations lengthened.

ADHD is also associated with delay aversion. A study by Wilson et al., 2011, explored how children with ADHD responded to delayed rewards. They found that those with ADHD were less tolerant of delays, often preferring smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed ones. This suggests a potential link between ADHD and the ability to delay gratification, although the exact relationship remains somewhat unclear.

Despite these challenges, time management skills can be developed and honed in individuals with ADHD. Techniques such as breaking down goals, time blocking, and employing the Pomodoro technique can significantly enhance time management and productivity. Planning activities from a scheduled event backward and integrating specific, time-bound tasks into one's schedule are also effective strategies.

Overall, while individuals with ADHD may perceive and manage time differently, understanding and adapting to these differences can lead to effective time management strategies. This, in turn, can improve daily functioning and productivity for those with ADHD, aligning their experience of time closer to societal norms and expectations.