Adult ADHD specialist | Stanford-trained psychiatrist | Serving Los Altos & the San Francisco Bay Area
why burnout happens
Many high-functioning adults with ADHD don’t struggle with ability—they struggle with consistency.
Things get done, but often in bursts: last-minute pushes, long hours, and cycles of overdrive followed by exhaustion. Over time, that pattern becomes difficult to sustain.
What looks like “burnout” is often a combination of mental overload, inefficient systems, and untreated ADHD.
signs of burnout
Work takes more effort than it used to
Performance is harder to sustain, even if output is still high
Persistent fatigue—even after rest or time off
Sleep feels less restorative, or harder to unwind at night
Less enjoyment in work and day-to-day life
Increased irritability or lower tolerance for stress
Motivation is inconsistent or harder to access
A sense of running on empty, even when things are “going well”
What treatment focuses on
Treatment is comprehensive and individualized—addressing ADHD alongside anxiety, mood, sleep, and other factors that impact performance and recovery.
Reducing overload
Identifying where cognitive load is accumulating—and simplifying systems, expectations, and workflows where possible.
Stabilizing work patterns
Reducing reliance on urgency and building more stable, repeatable patterns of execution.
Restoring sleep and recovery
Addressing sleep quality, difficulty unwinding, and insufficient recovery—often a central driver of burnout.
Rebuilding energy and engagement
Helping restore baseline energy, motivation, and capacity—so work and day-to-day life feel more manageable again.
Addressing contributing factors
Evaluating for ADHD, anxiety, mood symptoms, or other underlying drivers that may be amplifying burnout.
When needed: stepping back
In some cases, a medical leave may be appropriate to allow for recovery and reset.
Let’s Take a Look
If this feels familiar, it’s worth taking a closer look.
The goal isn’t just to push harder or manage symptoms—it’s to create a way of functioning that is clear, consistent, and sustainable over time.
To learn more about Adult ADHD and how we approach treatment, click below:
To learn more about performance optimization, click the button below.
Common Questions
Is burnout the same as ADHD?
No—but they often overlap. Untreated ADHD can contribute to cycles of overwork and exhaustion.Can burnout happen even if things are going well?
Yes. Many high-performing individuals experience burnout despite outward success.How is burnout treated?
Treatment focuses on reducing overload, improving consistency, and addressing contributing factors like ADHD, sleep, and anxiety.
Based in Los Altos, we work with adults throughout the Peninsula and greater Bay Area, including:
Los Altos • Palo Alto • Menlo Park • Mountain View • Sunnyvale • Redwood City • San Francisco