Tips for writing a thesis if you have been diagnosed with ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD is the abbreviation for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which means that individuals easily get distracted and display hyperactive behavior. People with ADD primarily experience a deficit in attention. ADHD can manifest in two different types. You may have predominantly hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. Alternatively, you can exhibit both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.

Why is writing a thesis with ADHD or ADD so difficult?

Writing a thesis can be challenging for individuals with ADHD or ADD, as it requires structure, discipline, and perseverance. In addition, independent research skills are expected. Your program supervisor or mentor will closely evaluate whether your thesis adheres to the program’s guidelines. For individuals with ADHD, establishing a clear structure and organization in both the thesis and research is crucial. This will enable you to work on your thesis with improved focus.

If you have ADHD (or ADD), it may be difficult for you to effectively plan your work, make progress, and maintain a cohesive narrative. It is likely a familiar experience that you spend hours working (only to realize that the day has flown by) without making much headway. Or perhaps you’ve lost track of the main thread and become overwhelmed by the abundance of information.

It’s possible that you’ve edited your document so many times that the central theme has been obscured, leading your thesis supervisor to find it challenging to read. They may also point out that your document lacks proper substantiation for your choices.

We have observed that students with ADHD or ADD often possess the necessary knowledge, but struggle to transfer it from their minds to paper. We have also noticed that breaking your thesis into smaller sections, each with clear instructions and an explanation of why changes are needed, can be helpful. Remember, you too can graduate on time.

What can you do yourself?

First take time for your orientation

The orientation phase may be the most crucial stage for you, so take this time to familiarize yourself with an enjoyable and suitable topic. This can be especially beneficial if you select a subject that you are passionate about. While ADHD is often associated with difficulty in concentration, it can also lead to intense focus on one particular matter, known as hyperfocus. When individuals with ADHD find something intriguing, maintaining concentration becomes more effortless. Therefore, by choosing a topic that you genuinely enjoy and have a connection with, you can easily sustain your attention. However, there is a potential pitfall here, as hyperfocus can sometimes create the illusion of productivity and progress, when in reality, concrete and tangible results may have been minimal.

Start by making a clear plan

If you are going to graduate, it is essential to first create a solid plan. You’ve probably already received a general plan from your program, and you are aware of the deadlines. Therefore, develop a specific plan with manageable deadlines. Determine the days dedicated to working on your thesis and allocate specific time slots for each day. Don’t forget to include sufficient breaks (such as lunch or exercise) in your schedule. By incorporating regular breaks and working in focused time blocks, you ensure that you can overcome moments of being stuck. If needed, use the Pomodori technique, set a timer or use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to take a break and step away from your work when it goes off. 

First establish the structure of your thesis

Always begin by establishing the structure of your thesis. Determine how you plan to organize your thoughts and what questions you intend to answer. You can consult the manual for your course or explore sample theses available in your course’s library. By carefully considering the structure in advance, you will have a clear framework and a better understanding of what you want to write about.

If you have ADHD (or ADD), you often possess strong visual thinking abilities and excel at grasping the bigger picture. This is a tremendous talent. That’s why we recommend creating mind maps for the various sections of your thesis. Doing so will stimulate your creative process and help you remember the overall concept more effectively. Think of mind maps as a program that provides immediate guidance. Additionally, keep your mind maps visible while working on your thesis - they will serve as reminders and help you maintain focus.

Provide a well-defined research objective

If you have ADHD (or ADD), it is even more important to clearly define your research objective. You can achieve this by identifying the underlying problem faced by your client. If your client is seeking a marketing plan, it is essential to understand the reason behind this need. Is the income declining? Is it related to the brand image? Or is there intense competition in the market? Make these factors specific and measurable. Furthermore, support your findings not only internally but also externally.

Provide good substantiation of the problem

We often notice that students with ADHD face challenges in formulating the correct main research question and sub-questions. To address this issue, it is crucial that you ask your clients why the research is necessary. Clients often provide specific assignments, but it is important to understand the underlying management or commercial problem and identify what insights are required to solve it. It’s not about solving the management problem itself, but rather about identifying the knowledge gap within the organization and conducting research to fill that gap.

By substantiating the problem internally and externally, you can develop a robust problem definition and determine the insights your client needs. This will serve as the basis for your main question. By selecting relevant theoretical models and literature, you can then formulate appropriate sub-questions.

Ask your client the right questions

Ask your client the appropriate questions to identify the underlying problem. This will provide you with a clear research objective and facilitate the formulation of a strong main question. The 6W model is a useful method for identifying the underlying question and formulating your problem statement.

Difficult to concentrate yourself? Don’t stay at home if you have to study

Ensure that you have a quiet work environment where you won’t face interruptions or distractions. It is often beneficial to step away from your usual surroundings, which may be filled with various distractions. For instance, consider studying in the library or on campus.

Plan your days and when you will work on your thesis

In step 1, you have created a general plan. However, if you truly want to work on your thesis with a focused approach, it is advisable to create a detailed plan for each day. Outline the tasks and activities you will undertake hour by hour, identify the necessary information you will need, and plan any appointments, phone conversations, or interviews well in advance. Additionally, make sure to allocate time for relaxation at the end of each day. Reward yourself for your hard work and remember to take sufficient breaks in between tasks, ensuring you get enough sleep to recharge!

Maintain a good structure

Regularity is also very important and provides structure. If you work on your thesis on fixed days and at specific times, this will become your routine.

Try to avoid distractions

Also, make sure you minimize distractions as much as possible while working on your thesis. If needed, turn off your mobile phone and disable notifications from computer programs and social media. Doing so will help you maintain focus and continue working on your thesis effectively. You can also establish a schedule where you allocate specific times to respond to apps, emails, and other messages throughout your thesis working day. During other times, you can let it be known that you are not available. By informing those around you about this arrangement, they will understand and you won’t feel pressured to respond immediately.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Asking questions is never stupid, and it only hinders your progress if you remain stuck without taking any action. It is essential to establish effective communication with both your thesis supervisor and the graduation supervisor at the company where you are conducting your research. Additionally, make sure to schedule multiple contact sessions with them and clearly communicate your expectations in terms of assistance.

If things really don’t work, get help in time!

If you find yourself feeling stuck, your first point of contact should ideally be your graduation supervisor from your course. Many colleges and universities also offer additional support specifically for students who have been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD. It’s important to take advantage of these resources. Additionally, it would be beneficial for your graduation supervisor to be aware of your disability so that they can provide appropriate guidance. If this assistance is not enough, you may consider seeking external help. However, always remember to keep your program and graduation supervisor informed and involved in your graduation process.

How can we help you?

Our coaches have extensive experience in guiding students with ADHD and ADD. We understand that there are often multiple factors contributing to your current difficulties in progressing with your thesis or research. Whether it is from the start of your studies or during the thesis writing stage, our practical assistance can make a difference.

Our thesis coaches will help you with various aspects, including creating and maintaining a schedule that suits you best. They follow a structured daily routine themselves, which you can adopt to bring organization to your graduation process. Moreover, they possess a deep understanding of the subject matter and can assist you in defining your research objective, formulating main and sub-questions, and clarifying your research methodology on paper, among other things. Ultimately, this will enable you to graduate on time.

Are you in need of help? Request a free consultation below and take advantage of the opportunity to discuss your situation. There is no cost involved, and during the consultation, we will explain how we can assist you and recommend the best coach for your specific background. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment now for a free consultation.