Because there can sometimes be overlap between anxiety and ADHD, distinguishing between them can sometimes be challenging.
Both ADHD and anxiety can cause people to feel restless and unable to concentrate.
This can create additional challenges and complicate diagnosis and treatment.
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Find out which option is the best for you.
Around 50% of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder.
They may have difficulty focusing, seem distracting, and struggle with planning.
In some cases, such behaviors can look a lot like anxiety.
Common features of these disorders are excessive anxiety, worry, nervousness, and fear.
Such symptoms can make it very hard for a person to relax.
Many people cope with their symptoms by avoiding the situations that cause anxiety.
Anxiety also leads people to procrastinate or avoid making decisions.
Or they might constantly ask others for reassurance to help manage their worries.
How Anxiety and ADHD Influence One Another
ADHD can make many aspects of daily living more stressful.
Traits such astime blindness, restlessness, and trouble focusing can make everyday tasks and obligations challenging.
ADHD can cause people to miss deadlines or forget necessary appointments.
It can cause people to procrastinate until the last minute or get distracted by interesting tasks while neglecting others.
This can lead to problems at school and work.
Relationships can also suffer.
Lack of ADHD accommodations andundiagnosed adult ADHDcan make anxiety symptoms worse.
However, there are key differences between the two.
Treating Anxiety and ADHD
Anxiety and ADHD can make daily living more challenging when they occur together.
Both can contribute to problems with focus, increasedprocrastination, and poor time management.
A combination of anxiety and ADHD can also make daily life seem more stressful and overwhelming.
Getting the right kind of support and treatment can help.
Anxiety is typically treated with psychotherapy, although medications may also be prescribed.
Sometimes, people may experience increased anxiety symptoms when they first start taking stimulant ADHD medications.
Anti-anxiety medications are also an option, depending on the individual and their needs.
Anti-anxiety medications may includeantidepressants,benzodiazepines, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
These includedeep breathing, meditation,mindfulness, visualization, andprogressive muscle relaxation.
Sleep
Anxiety and ADHD can interfere with sleep, so finding ways toimprove your restmay be beneficial.
The key to staying active with ADHD is to choose activities that you enjoy.
If something doesn’t hold your interest, you’re bound to get bored.
Instead, try something fun like biking, rock climbing, swimming, dancing, or gymnastics.
2018;18(1):559. doi:10.1186/s12913-018-3313-5
