Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are separate conditions that can affect a person’s mood and behavior. ADHD is a behavioral disorder that affects attention, causes hyperactivity, and leads to impulsive actions.1
Katzam MA, Bilkey TS, Chokka PR, Angelo F, Klassen LJ. Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: clinical implications of a dimensional approach. BMC Psychiatry. 2017;17:302. doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1463-3
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that causes feelings of fear and nervousness.2
Mental healthcare providers like psychiatrists or psychologists can diagnose these conditions. ADHD is experienced in about 4% of adults and 11% of children.34 Anxiety is experienced in about 19% of adults and 7% of children.5
While they are separate conditions, it is not uncommon to have both. Whether you have ADHD, anxiety, or both, there are treatment options available.6
Symptoms of ADHD vs. Anxiety
ADHD and anxiety share many of the same symptoms. Because there is so much overlap between the two conditions, it is helpful to know the symptoms and how they can differ. ADHD affects a person’s ability to concentrate and can lead to behavioral problems.7 Anxiety causes feelings of distress with no obvious cause.8
Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms you may experience with ADHD and anxiety.9
| Symptoms of ADHD | Symptoms of Axiey |
| Difficulty concentrating | Difficulty concentrating |
| Restlessness | Restlessness |
| Inability to relax | Inability to relax |
| Trouble sleeping | Trouble sleeping |
| Trouble finishing a task | Worry |
| Easily distracted | Nervousness |
| Forgetfulness | Fear without a known cause |
| Frequent fidgeting | Irritability |
| Difficulty following directions | Increased heart rate |
| Impulsivity | Rapid breathing |
| Tendency to interrupt others | Headaches |
| Anger | Avoidance |
Differences
While ADHD and anxiety share some symptoms, there are key differences that help with making a diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment. Here are some main differences between the two conditions:
Anxiety Is a Mental Health Disorder
ADHD and anxiety are different types of conditions. ADHD is a form of neurodivergence (when the brain works differently than the typical brain) and is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s behaviors. Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes feelings of worry and nervousness.7
ADHD Is Often Diagnosed in Childhood
Symptoms of ADHD usually present in childhood. Children with ADHD often experience challenges in school due to problems concentrating and sitting still, so the condition can be diagnosed in elementary school.2 Children can be diagnosed with anxiety, too, but it is more frequently diagnosed in older teens, young adults, and adults.5
It is important to note that many females with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood because their symptoms tend to be more subtle than in males.10
The Treatment Options Aren’t the Same
Both ADHD and anxiety can improve with treatment, such as medication and therapy. However, the two treatment plans are different.
People with ADHD may benefit from taking a stimulant medication such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) or a non-stimulant such as Strattera (atomoxetine) to help with concentration and focus.11
Meanwhile, you may be able to manage anxiety symptoms with anti-anxiety medications. These include antidepressants like Zoloft (sertraline) and benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam).8
If you have both conditions, keep in mind that some ADHD medications, like stimulants, can worsen anxiety symptoms.11
Similarities
There are many areas of overlap between ADHD and anxiety. While both conditions can make certain aspects of life challenging, there are effective treatment options available.
The Experience of Both Conditions Can Feel Similar
People living with ADHD often feel worried about their ADHD symptoms, such as the ability to concentrate. This can lead to feelings of anxiety.9
People with anxiety may find it difficult to concentrate because of their overwhelming feelings of worry and nervousness. If you have uncontrolled anxiety, you may feel unable to sit still or focus on a task—similar to feelings that someone with ADHD might have.8
Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Both Conditions
In addition to medication and therapy, there are several lifestyle factors that can improve both ADHD and anxiety. When working with a therapist, most people with ADHD or anxiety will develop a lifestyle plan to help them avoid triggers and function better.
Lifestyle changes that can improve ADHD and anxiety include:12
- Quality sleep: Focus on getting seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night
- Nutritious diet: Fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods, and avoid going too long without eating
- Routine schedule: Create a realistic schedule for yourself and do your best to stick to it
- Regular exercise: Try physical exercise to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve focus13
- Stress management: Work with a therapist to learn stress management techniques like relaxation and mindfulness
Both Conditions Benefit From Therapy
Therapy is an effective treatment option for both ADHD and anxiety. People with ADHD, anxiety, or both often benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that addresses unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.11
For ADHD, therapy may help build skills and routines that improve organization, prioritization, and time management.14 If your child has ADHD, you may be involved in therapy sessions so you can learn strategies for how to help your child cope.15
For anxiety, therapy can teach you how to act or think differently in situations that make you anxious so you can manage your anxiety. You might be exposed to those anxiety-inducing experiences so you can learn how to manage your anxiety in real-time.16
Can You Have Both ADHD and Anxiety?
It is not uncommon to have both ADHD and anxiety. People with ADHD are more likely to develop anxiety than those without ADHD.
Up to 50% of adults with ADHD may have an anxiety disorder. About 25% of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, an anxiety disorder that causes persistent worry or fear that can interfere with everyday life.6
About 4 in 10 children with ADHD have anxiety. If a child has both conditions, they are more likely to have severe ADHD.4
Researchers believe that anxiety may be more common in people with ADHD because the worry about ADHD symptoms contributes to the development of anxiety symptoms.17
When To Seek Care and Who to Contact
Both ADHD and anxiety can be managed with treatment. Contact your primary healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned that you or your child are experiencing symptoms of one or both of these conditions.
A pediatrician can likely make an ADHD diagnosis, though they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis and treatment.18
A primary care provider may also send you to a mental health provider if you or your child has anxiety that is affecting school, work, or relationships.19
A Quick Review
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are conditions that affect how a person feels, thinks, and acts. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes problems with concentration and impulsivity. Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes intense feelings of worry and nervousness. It is possible to experience both conditions at the same time.
ADHD and anxiety share many of the same symptoms, like difficulty concentrating and trouble sleeping. However, the treatment options for both conditions are different, and some ADHD medications can worsen anxiety.
Talk with your primary healthcare provider if you are concerned about ADHD or anxiety symptoms. Consider meeting with a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine your diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.