Why “Body Doubling” Works for ADHD - and What It Tells Us About Focus
Written by: Emma Winson. MScN, Nurse Practitioner
Have you ever noticed that it is easier to complete a task when someone else is nearby, even if they are not actually helping? Maybe a friend sits with you while you work, or you stay on the phone while folding laundry or while you finally superglue that lamp part that broke 4 months ago. That strategy is called body doubling, and it is a common coping tool used by people with ADHD to help with focus and task completion.
With more than ten years of experience as a Nurse practitioner, I have learned that you cannot talk about mental health without recognizing ADHD. It is far more common than many people realize, and it often shows up in ways that people do not immediately recognize.
One of the most important parts of my approach to ADHD assessment and treatment is that I do not look at ADHD in isolation. Many virtual services focus only on ADHD symptoms, but in clinical practice it is rarely that simple. Around 70% of the time ADHD exists alongside other mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder.
Because of this, a thoughtful assessment must look at the whole person, not just one diagnosis. If we treat ADHD but overlook other mental health concerns, you may still struggle. On the other hand, if we focus only on anxiety or depression and miss underlying ADHD, individuals may continue to experience difficulties with attention, organization, and follow-through that limit their ability to fully thrive.
Treatment also does not follow a single formula. Traditionally, clinicians often stabilize anxiety or depression first before treating ADHD. However, in practice I have also seen the opposite occur. For some individuals, appropriately treating ADHD leads to meaningful improvements in anxiety and mood because many of the daily frustrations and overwhelm begin to ease. Not everyone who benefits from ADHD medication requires antidepressant therapy, and the reverse is also true. Following a thorough psychosocial assessment, your treatment plan is individualized.
Ultimately, my goal is to help patients understand how ADHD fits into their broader mental health picture and to develop a treatment plan that supports their overall wellbeing. When we address ADHD thoughtfully, alongside any other contributing concerns, you are far more likely to reach your full potential, not just in one area of life, but across many.
