ADHD’s Hidden Clue: The ‘Floordrobe’

Have you ever found yourself stepping over piles of clothes scattered across your bedroom floor? If so, you might be familiar with the term “floordrobe.” 

While it may seem like a harmless habit or a sign of laziness, this unexpected laundry behavior could actually be a potential indicator of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).¹ 

What is a ‘Floordrobe’?

The term “floordrobe” is a playful blend of “floor” and “wardrobe,” describing the habit of leaving clothes strewn about on the floor instead of putting them away properly. It’s a common phenomenon that many people experience, but for some, it may be more than just a messy habit.

A floordrobe can manifest in various ways:

• Piles of clothes on the bedroom floor
• Garments draped over chairs or other furniture
• Laundry baskets overflowing with clean or dirty clothes

While the occasional messy room is normal, a persistent floordrobe might be a sign of underlying issues, particularly for those with ADHD.

How ADHD Relates to the ‘Floordrobe’ Habit

You might be wondering, “What does my messy room have to do with ADHD?” The connection lies in the way ADHD affects executive function, time management, and motivation.

Let’s break it down:

Executive Function Challenges

People with ADHD often struggle with executive function skills, which include:

• Organization
• Task initiation
• Time management
• Working memory

These difficulties can make seemingly simple tasks, like putting away laundry, feel overwhelming or impossible to start.

Time Blindness

Time blindness is a common ADHD trait that makes it hard to perceive the passage of time accurately. You might intend to hang up your clothes “in a minute,” only to find that hours have passed without you realizing it.

Lack of Dopamine & Motivation

ADHD brains crave dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Unfortunately, mundane tasks like laundry don’t provide the dopamine hit that ADHD brains seek, making it challenging to find the motivation to complete these chores.

Visual Cues & Object Permanence

For some people with ADHD, “out of sight” truly means “out of mind.” Keeping clothes visible on the floor can serve as a visual reminder of their existence, whereas tucking them away in drawers or closets might lead to forgetting about them entirely.

Why Do People with ADHD Struggle with Laundry Tasks?

Laundry might seem like a simple chore, but for those with ADHD, it can be a complex and daunting task. Here’s why:

Overwhelm from Multi-Step Processes

Laundry isn’t just one task – it’s a series of steps:

1. Sorting clothes
2. Loading the washer
3. Transferring to the dryer
4. Folding or hanging
5. Putting away

Each step requires decision-making and task initiation, which can be challenging for ADHD brains.

Difficulty Maintaining Focus

The repetitive nature of laundry tasks can make it hard for people with ADHD to stay focused. Their minds might wander, leading to forgotten loads in the washer or dryer.

Procrastination & Avoidance Behaviors

When tasks feel overwhelming or uninteresting, procrastination often kicks in. This can lead to a buildup of laundry and, you guessed it, a floordrobe.

Sensory Processing Challenges

Some individuals with ADHD experience sensory sensitivities. The textures of certain fabrics or the sound of a washing machine might be overwhelming, making laundry tasks even more challenging.

Expert Insights on ADHD & ‘Floordrobes’

To better understand the connection between ADHD and floordrobes, let’s turn to some expert opinions:

Dr. Thomas E. Brown, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD, has developed a model of executive functions impaired in ADHD. His research suggests that ADHD is not simply a behavioral disorder, but rather a cognitive disorder involving impairments in executive functions.^(ref)This explains why individuals with ADHD might struggle with routine chores like laundry.

It’s important to note that not everyone with a floordrobe has ADHD, and not everyone with ADHD has a floordrobe. However, if you find yourself consistently struggling with laundry and other household tasks, it might be worth exploring whether ADHD could be a factor.

Strategies for Managing the ‘Floordrobe’ with ADHD

If you suspect your floordrobe might be related to ADHD, don’t worry – there are strategies you can use to manage it more effectively:

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Instead of tackling all your laundry at once, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example:

• Monday: Sort clothes
• Tuesday: Wash darks
• Wednesday: Wash lights
• Thursday: Fold and hang

2. Implement Visual Organization Systems

Create a visual system that works for you. This might include:

• Color-coded laundry baskets for different types of clothes
• A pegboard with hooks for frequently worn items
• Clear storage containers for seasonal clothing

3. Use Timers & Reminders

Set timers for short bursts of laundry-related activity. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) can be particularly effective for ADHD brains.

4. Body Doubling & Accountability Partners

Body doubling involves having someone else present (either physically or virtually) while you complete a task. This can provide the external motivation and accountability needed to tackle laundry chores.

When to Seek Professional Help

While a floordrobe alone isn’t a definitive sign of ADHD, it can be part of a larger pattern of symptoms. If you find that your laundry habits (and other organizational challenges) are significantly impacting your daily life, it might be time to seek professional help.

Signs that it’s time to consult a healthcare provider include:

• Persistent difficulty with organization across multiple areas of life
• Trouble focusing or completing tasks at work or school
• Impulsivity or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning
• Emotional dysregulation or mood swings

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can make a world of difference in managing ADHD symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Source:
1. New York Post