Many adults with ADHD notice a pattern that feels both empowering and exhausting: they struggle to start tasks for days or weeks, yet suddenly become highly focused, productive, and efficient when a deadline is looming. Under pressure, the ADHD brain seems to “switch on.” While this ability can feel like a hidden strength, it often comes at a cost. Understanding why adults with ADHD perform better under pressure  helps explain not only productivity spikes, but also burnout, s