Is it ADHD or Anxiety?
Anxiety and ADHD share some symptoms in common, and the two disorders can present similarly in different people, especially in children. While labels can be marginalizing, getting an accurate diagnosis is important for receiving effective treatment and accommodations, if applicable. If you’re experiencing mental health symptoms of any kind, it’s best to get an evaluation from a licensed professional. While this article certainly can’t diagnose you, it will help explain the similarities and differences between these two common conditions.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties with attention and self-regulation, while anxiety disorders are in their own diagnostic family and share core symptoms of persistent, excessive worry. ADHD and anxiety can share the following symptoms in common:
Difficulty with concentrating
Difficulty with working memory (short-term, “holding” information in your mind)
Sleep issues
Restlessness
Muscle tension
Gastrointestinal issues
Easily tired/fatigue
Highly activated sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response)
This symptom overlap can make it difficult to determine which condition you or someone you love is experiencing. However, the following symptoms are considered unique to their disorder:
ADHD:
Hyperactivity and impulsivity: difficulty controlling impulses, difficulty sitting still or staying quiet, excessive restless movement, and/or talking excessively or interrupting others.
Attention deficits: difficulty paying attention and sustaining focus, easily distracted, forgetful, trouble organizing thoughts and tasks, and difficulty following instructions and/or completing a project.
Anxiety:
Persistent, excessive worry.
Avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations.
Feeling overwhelmed, on edge, or keyed up.
While ADHD and anxiety share the symptom of difficulty concentrating, in anxiety, this symptom is likely to be transient and tied to strong periods of anxiety, whereas in ADHD, concentration and attention issues are consistent across situations and due to neurological differences, not anxiety. While those with ADHD may experience anxiety, it’s likely to be tied to their ADHD symptoms, not the generalized worry experienced by those with anxiety disorders.
If you believe you or someone you love may have anxiety or ADHD, it’s time to get a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. Looking for experienced, empathetic care in Shelby Township, MI? Look no further than AWC - click the link at the top of the page to request an appointment today.
References
Rachel - Psychotherapist [@rfbpsychotherapy]. (2025, May 12). “ADHD and anxiety have more in common than you think 💜 Sometimes it can help us to rule one out by seeking a formal diagnosis and sometimes it can help to simply talk about it” [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJjGarXs7G4/
