ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts the brain’s ability to regulate certain behaviors, such as focus and attention. ADHD is primarily caused by an imbalance in the brain’s neurotransmitters or chemical messengers. Specifically, ADHD brains have decreased levels of two primary neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. These imbalances can disrupt the normal functioning of different parts of the brain, ultimately resulting in symptoms of ADHD.

Research has shown that there are several regions and pathways that seem particularly affected by ADHD. For example, studies have found that individuals with ADHD tend to have decreased activity levels in certain parts of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and striatum. These regions are involved in executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and short-term memory performance.

Specifically, for an app to be helpful in the management of ADHD symptoms, the app needs to assist with short-term memory, executive functions, and time management. These are the three primary goals that the best ADHD apps target. The best ADHD apps can achieve these goals in several ways.

For example, ADHD affects the prefrontal cortex, which is involved with short-term memory. Therefore, apps focusing on taking notes and information organization can augment our short-term memory. This category includes note apps like Apple Notes, OneNote, or GoodNotes.

ADHD symptoms in adults can also make time management a serious challenge. Luckily, most app stores have a large arsenal of apps dedicated to improving and assisting our time management skills. For example, Time Management apps can help our short-term memory by reminding us to take regular breaks, which is essential in avoiding short-term memory overload. Frequent breaks allow our short-term memory to refresh and prevent information overload.

Another critical area of our brain that is affected by ADHD is our brain’s executive functions, which help us with planning and decision-making. Therefore, apps designed to help us improve our executive functions can help manage symptoms like impulsivity, disorganization, and distractibility. For example, Task Management apps like Todoist can significantly improve our organization and priority planning.

Task Management apps are an excellent example of ADHD apps that can assist our executive functions. In the same manner that our executive functions act as our top-down cognitive organization, the best Task Management apps also remind us of the important tasks at the right time and in the right prioritization.

Calendar apps are another category of apps with a huge potential for helping us plan. These calendar apps assist our executive functions similarly to the Task Management apps. In addition, some of the best calendar apps can integrate directly with other Task Management apps.

Luckily, many apps’ available app integration features have significantly improved in the last few years. The ability to share information between different apps used to be exclusively reserved for large app suites such as Office 365, Google Apps, and the built-in Apple system apps.

In addition to app integration improvements, most app stores’ productivity sections have become one of the most popular app categories. With intense app competition and increased features, the Best ADHD Apps for productivity are exceptionally well-developed.

The four main categories of the best ADHD apps are Focus Timer, Calendar, Multi-functional note, and Task Management apps. Most app stores tend to place these apps in the Productivity section.

Hopefully, you’ll find some useful apps on this page that you can implement in your daily work, study, or with your productivity goals. Remember, managing ADHD symptoms is an ongoing process that requires persistence and perseverance. But with the right tools, you can make progress in overcoming your symptoms and improving your daily functioning. So go ahead and try out some of these apps today!