ADHD and Anxiety: Untangling Two Conditions That Look Alike

ADHD and Anxiety: The Overlap Problem

ADHD and anxiety frequently co-occur - roughly half of adults with ADHD also meet criteria for an anxiety disorder. But they also mimic each other, which means many people get treated for one while the other goes unrecognised.

How They Overlap

Both conditions cause difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and sleep problems. But the root cause differs:

ADHD inattention: Your brain wanders because it's understimulated. You're distracted by anything more interesting than the current task.

Anxiety inattention: Your brain is locked onto worry. You can't concentrate because you're consumed by "what if" thoughts.

ADHD restlessness: Physical need to move, fidget, change position. It feels like internal motor running.

Anxiety restlessness: Tension, muscle tightness, inability to relax. It feels like something bad is about to happen.

ADHD Causing Anxiety

Many people develop anxiety as a direct result of living with undiagnosed ADHD. Years of missed deadlines, forgotten commitments, underperformance, and relationship strain create genuine anxiety about future failures. This is sometimes called "secondary anxiety" - treat the ADHD and the anxiety often reduces significantly.

Treatment Considerations

If you have both conditions, treatment order matters. NICE guidelines suggest treating the most impairing condition first. For many people, ADHD medication reduces anxiety by improving your ability to manage life. If anxiety persists after ADHD is treated, add therapy (CBT is excellent for anxiety) or discuss anti-anxiety medication with your doctor. SSRIs and ADHD stimulants can be taken together safely under medical supervision.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

If you've been treated for anxiety but it hasn't fully resolved, ask your GP about ADHD screening. If your anxiety started in childhood alongside concentration and organisation difficulties, ADHD may be the underlying driver.