ADHD and anxiety disorders are two of the most common mental health conditions, and they often show up hand-in-hand. But because they overlap in sneaky ways, many people go years misdiagnosed or under-supported. So let’s unpack how ADHD and anxiety can intersect—and what to do about it.
At first glance, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and anxiety can seem like totally different beasts. ADHD is all about inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Anxiety is tied to excessive worry, fear, and tension.
But here’s the overlap:
Restlessness vs. Nervous Energy: ADHD-related hyperactivity can look a lot like the physical restlessness of anxiety.
Difficulty Focusing: Anxiety can cause racing thoughts or overthinking, making it hard to concentrate—just like ADHD.
Avoidance: People with ADHD might avoid tasks because they feel boring or hard to focus on. People with anxiety might avoid them out of fear of failure. Either way, things don’t get done.
Irritability: Both conditions can make you more emotionally reactive or sensitive.
It’s easy to see how one can mask or mimic the other—making a proper diagnosis a challenge.
Sometimes anxiety stems from undiagnosed ADHD. Imagine constantly struggling to stay organized, forgetful, always running late, and feeling like you're never quite meeting expectations. Over time, that chaos can fuel anxiety, especially if you're trying to mask the struggle.
Other times, someone with anxiety might develop ADHD-like symptoms because their mind is constantly preoccupied with worry.
Getting the right diagnosis matters because treating one without addressing the other can backfire. For example, some anxiety meds might make ADHD symptoms worse, and vice versa.
There’s a huge cultural piece here. ADHD is still misunderstood, especially in adults and women. Many women, for example, get diagnosed with anxiety or depression before anyone ever considers ADHD—because they’re more likely to internalize symptoms rather than act out.
And since anxiety is more “socially acceptable” or recognizable, it often gets flagged first.
Find a Specialist: Seek out a mental health provider who understands both ADHD and anxiety. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
Track Your Symptoms: Write down when symptoms show up and what they feel like. Does your focus improve when your anxiety is low? Or are both constant companions?
Be Open About It: If you’re already in therapy, talk to your therapist or prescriber about the overlap. Adjusting treatment might help more than you realize.
Don’t Self-Diagnose, But Do Self-Advocate: You know yourself best. If something feels off, speak up until you feel heard.
Living with ADHD and anxiety can feel like running a marathon with tangled shoelaces. But with the right support and awareness, you can find your stride. Whether it’s through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes—or all of the above—you’re not alone in this.
You don’t have to choose between ADHD or anxiety. Sometimes, the answer is “both,” and that’s okay.