The Paradox of Task Switching in ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with impulsive behavior and frequent task-switching. However, a paradox emerges in clinical and experiential accounts that highlight an aversion to task switching and significant task initiation difficulties in those with ADHD. This paper proposes a triadic explanatory model involving (1) dopamine chasing through compulsive switching, (2) dopamine preservation through switching avoidance, and (3) pathological demand avoidance (PDA) as a learned behavioral response. These mechanisms are explored within the context of the “recovery mode” framework previously introduced to describe oscillations between emergency and recovery states in ADHD. The model aims to reframe behavioral resistance not as defiance but as a function of impaired neurological transitions. By understanding task switching as a form of psychological transition, the paper advocates for proactive support strategies that validate cognitive states and reduce oppositional interactions. This paper proposes a triadic model that integrates dopamine dynamics, demand avoidance, and the novel 'Recovery Mode' framework (Wolf, 2025) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of task switching and resistance in ADHD.