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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryADHD vs. Anxiety: How to Tell The Difference
Table of Contents:OverviewADHD vs Anxiety: What Are the Differences?What Is ADHD?What is Anxiety?Symptoms of anxietyHow To Know When It’s Time to Seek Help
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Read Time: 5 Minutes
Published On: October 7, 2021
Reviewed On: October 7, 2021
Updated On: April 4, 2024
OverviewUpdated on 10/27/2022If you’ve ever asked yourselfhow do I know if I have ADHD or anxiety, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for people withattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) to be diagnosed with an additional mental health condition. In fact, according to the National Resource Center on ADHD,more than 66% of peoplediagnosed with ADHD have at least one other mental health condition.ADHD and anxiety can have many overlapping symptoms, so it’s important to understand which is having the most impact on your life to figure out how to treat it.Having a clear grasp of the differences between ADHD and anxiety can help you and your therapist develop the best treatment plan possible. With the right treatment, whether that’sonline therapy, medication, or both, you can live the fullest, most rewarding, and productive life possible.If you’re wonderingwhether you have ADHD or anxiety,read on to learn more about the two.
Overview
Updated on 10/27/2022
If you’ve ever asked yourselfhow do I know if I have ADHD or anxiety, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for people withattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) to be diagnosed with an additional mental health condition. In fact, according to the National Resource Center on ADHD,more than 66% of peoplediagnosed with ADHD have at least one other mental health condition.
ADHD and anxiety can have many overlapping symptoms, so it’s important to understand which is having the most impact on your life to figure out how to treat it.
Having a clear grasp of the differences between ADHD and anxiety can help you and your therapist develop the best treatment plan possible. With the right treatment, whether that’sonline therapy, medication, or both, you can live the fullest, most rewarding, and productive life possible.
If you’re wonderingwhether you have ADHD or anxiety,read on to learn more about the two.
ADHD vs Anxiety: What Are the Differences?Despite some overlap in symptoms, there are some differences between anxiety disorder vs. ADHD. The major difference comes down to one underlying difference.Do you have difficulty focusing because you have apprehensive and fearful thoughts?Anxiety disorders result in the potential to be easily distracted because your mind is full of worrisome, anxious thoughts.Or, do you have difficulty focusing because you’re easily distracted (even in times when your mind should be calm)?ADHD can result in the potential to be easily distracted, even when you’re calm. Of course, keep in mind that anxiety canresultfrom an inability to focus, because that can lead to further stress about knowing that you’re falling behind on a task, assignment, or job. “Anxiety that is separate from ADHD is often either more generalized, where you may feel fearful/nervous on a regular basis, or more specific, where you feel fearful/nervous in certain situations (i.e. social settings, public speaking, etc.),” Ertel said.
ADHD vs Anxiety: What Are the Differences?
Despite some overlap in symptoms, there are some differences between anxiety disorder vs. ADHD. The major difference comes down to one underlying difference.
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There are a few questions that can help determine if what you’re experiencing is ADD/ADHD or anxiety:
Typically, a professional medical evaluation is the only way to truly know if you’re experiencing ADHD or anxiety.
Expert Insight
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), BCD, C-DBTAshley Ertel
What Is ADHD?
Someone with ADHD often has significant and long-term symptoms that interfere with their basic ability to successfully manage school or work. Though it’s often thought of as something that only affects children, ADHD affects many adults, too.
ADHD Symptoms
People diagnosed with ADHD can have issues with just one of the main symptoms, but it’s also common to experience a combination of symptoms. While having some inattentive behavior, hyperactivity, or impulsivity is normal for anyone, those with ADHD will have increased severity of symptoms. With ADHD, symptoms occur more often and drastically interfere with the type of work someone is able to complete. ADHD symptoms can also have an impact on social functioning. Treatment will vary depending on an individual’s symptoms, but typically involves a mix of behavioral therapy andADHD medications.
The neurophysiological effects of ADHD can result in a number of symptoms between the main categories.
Inattentive behavior can include:
Hyperactivity/impulsive behavior can include:
Untreated ADHD can make it difficult for kids to succeed in school and for adults to keep a steady job. One of the reasons for untreated ADHD is because it can be misdiagnosed as obsessive compulsive disorder, since both have plenty of symptoms in common. A professional ADHD diagnosis from a licensed therapist can help you better understand the condition and how to manage it. Some of the ways you can manage ADHD can involve physical activities, therapy, and ADHD medication.
What is Anxiety?Anxiety is more than just excessive worry. Anxiety is actually a natural response to stress. It’s a heightened, sometimes helpful reaction to danger, but when worries or fears about common, normal situations begin to overtake your life, anxiety can become quite a problem. Anxiety disorders cause intense feelings of dread, fear, or uneasiness in your day-to-day life.It’s important to determine if your anxiety is just an appropriate reaction or if your response is a result ofgeneralized anxiety disorder.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is more than just excessive worry. Anxiety is actually a natural response to stress. It’s a heightened, sometimes helpful reaction to danger, but when worries or fears about common, normal situations begin to overtake your life, anxiety can become quite a problem. Anxiety disorders cause intense feelings of dread, fear, or uneasiness in your day-to-day life.
It’s important to determine if your anxiety is just an appropriate reaction or if your response is a result ofgeneralized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of anxietyAnxiety symptomscan increase in severity and frequency throughout life. People who have generalized anxiety disorder may experience any of the following anxiety symptoms:Persistent, extreme fears or worriesHaving a near-constant fear or sense of doomDigestive issuesHeart palpitationsInability to deal with uncertaintyFeeling extreme fear or unable to deal with uncertainty about the futureExcessively planningMuscle tension in neck or shouldersAnxietychest painBruxism (clenching or grinding teeth)Having intrusive thoughtsIntense fear of making decisionsFeeling exhausted or extremely fatiguedHyperventilatingExcessive sweatingInability to sleepDifficulty concentratingInability to relaxThere’s also a type of anxiety called social anxiety, orsocial anxiety disorderto be exact, that can impact an individual’s social life.
Symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety symptomscan increase in severity and frequency throughout life. People who have generalized anxiety disorder may experience any of the following anxiety symptoms:
There’s also a type of anxiety called social anxiety, orsocial anxiety disorderto be exact, that can impact an individual’s social life.
Still not sure if your symptoms could be from anxiety? Consider taking ouranxiety testto learn more.
How To Know When It’s Time to Seek HelpWondering if it’s time to seek help?This is a question you may be asking yourself if your symptoms have become severe enough that they’re interfering in your daily functioning or life. If you want to learnhow to deal with anxietyor ADHD, consider speaking with a mental health professional about treatment options.The good news is there’s treatment available forbothADHD and anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy. Treatment for ADHD and anxiety are readily available and often extremely effective.They can be treated separately, but if you’re experiencing and have been diagnosed with both conditions, simultaneous treatment can be a bit more challenging. This is in large part due to the fact that someADHD medicationscan actually add to anxiety.If both conditions are present, a licensed therapist may choose to focus on and treat the one having the most impact on your life first. Some common and effective treatment options for ADHD or anxiety might include:ADHD or anti-anxiety medicationCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)MeditationRelaxation techniquesCreating a scheduleWorking out and eating healthyJournaling
How To Know When It’s Time to Seek Help
Wondering if it’s time to seek help?This is a question you may be asking yourself if your symptoms have become severe enough that they’re interfering in your daily functioning or life. If you want to learnhow to deal with anxietyor ADHD, consider speaking with a mental health professional about treatment options.
The good news is there’s treatment available forbothADHD and anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy. Treatment for ADHD and anxiety are readily available and often extremely effective.
They can be treated separately, but if you’re experiencing and have been diagnosed with both conditions, simultaneous treatment can be a bit more challenging. This is in large part due to the fact that someADHD medicationscan actually add to anxiety.
If both conditions are present, a licensed therapist may choose to focus on and treat the one having the most impact on your life first. Some common and effective treatment options for ADHD or anxiety might include:
Dealing with ADHD and anxiety can be very difficult. It can be emotionally taxing, especially in the beginning. Talkspace offers accessible, affordable, and flexible online therapy so when you’re ready, you can speak with a professional to find the right anxiety or ADHD treatment. The potential outcome can be well worth the time and effort you put intoself care. It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
See ReferencesADHD and Coexisting DisordersChadd.org. Published 2015. Accessed September 7, 2021.What is ADHD?American Psychiatric Association. Published 2017. Accessed September 7, 2021.Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderNational Institute of Mental Health. Published 2019. Accessed September 7, 2021.Effect of age on the frequency of anxiety disorders in major depression with psychotic featuresFlint, Alastair J et al. The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry vol. 18,5 (2010): 404-12. doi:10.1097/jgp.0b013e3181c294acGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Accessed September 7, 2021.
See References
Chadd.org. Published 2015. Accessed September 7, 2021.
American Psychiatric Association. Published 2017. Accessed September 7, 2021.
National Institute of Mental Health. Published 2019. Accessed September 7, 2021.
Flint, Alastair J et al. The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry vol. 18,5 (2010): 404-12. doi:10.1097/jgp.0b013e3181c294ac
Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Accessed September 7, 2021.
Ashley ErtelAshley Ertel, LCSW, is a Nationally Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over a decade of experience specializing in trauma and depression, working primarily with first responders, military personnel, and veterans, and sexual assault survivors.
Ashley Ertel, LCSW, is a Nationally Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over a decade of experience specializing in trauma and depression, working primarily with first responders, military personnel, and veterans, and sexual assault survivors.
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