Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders are distinct syndromes that frequently coexist. For example, up to 50% of adults with ADHD may have an anxiety condition, and approximately 25% of individuals with ADHD have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Children with ADHD are also more susceptible to acquire anxiety disorders.Treatment can help alleviate ADHD symptoms and reduce anxiety. This article discusses the link between ADHD and anxiety, as well as how to feel less anxious.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Anxiety is not one of the clinical criteria for ADHD diagnosis, but dealing with uncontrolled ADHD symptoms can be extremely stressful and anxiety-inducing. Living with ADHD may lead to an anxiety problem. According to experts, anxiety disorder is the most prevalent co-occurring (comorbid) condition with ADHD.

Anxiety and ADHD

People with ADHD and anxiety disorder may exhibit more severe symptoms of both conditions. Obtaining an appropriate diagnosis can be more challenging. Treatment is more challenging with ADHD and concomitant anxiety disorder.

Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder symptoms

There are significant variations between anxiety and ADHD. There are some similarities. While it might be difficult to tell the difference when you have both, knowing how to distinguish between anxiety and ADHD will help you get to the bottom of your symptoms and seek the most effective therapy.

How To Recognize ADHD

Adult ADHD symptoms include difficulty focusing and being easily distracted in any scenario.Forgetfulness (missing deadlines and critical dates, forgetting directions, and misplacing items) Prioritization and organizing challenges (e.g., everything or nothing looks important and urgent) Extreme restlessness or fidgeting (such as shifting in seat, tapping foot, or stimming) Impulsivity (i.e., acting without contemplating the entire range of repercussions, including purchasing purchases you can't afford) Interrupting people, speaking too rapidly or too much, or making it difficult to follow the discourse Emotional dysregulation (i.e., having difficulty controlling responses and experiencing rapid emotional extremes such as irritation and fury).

How to Handle Sensory Overload with ADHD

Anxiety in adults can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, perspiration, elevated heart rate, dizziness, and chest tightness. Feeling distracted by worries or scary thoughts (i.e., difficulty focusing on anything other than the anxiety) Sleep disruptions ( falling and staying asleep are difficult) Irritability ( quick to become irritated, little tolerance for irritation) Avoidance ( purposefully avoiding any sources of distress) Reality and Daily Struggles With High-Functioning Anxiety

How to Tell the Difference?

Speaking with your doctor about your specific symptoms will help decide whether the problem is ADHD, anxiety, or both.The following may help you distinguish between anxiety and ADHD. People suffering from anxiety disorders have difficulty concentrating because of their feelings of concern or uneasiness. People with untreated ADHD will have difficulties concentrating even when they are not anxious or stressed. People with ADHD feel worried and anxious about their ADHD symptoms. Anxiety disorders lead people to worry and feel anxious.

Is ADHD considered a mental illness?

While we're talking about anxiety and ADHD, it's vital to understand that anxiety is a mental health condition or mental illness, but ADHD is not. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition caused by biological and/or genetic differences in brain structure and function. 

How to Treat ADHD and Anxiety

The first line of treatment for ADHD is medication, such as stimulants like Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and non-stimulants like Strattera (atomoxetine). Antianxiety drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) can also help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. In addition to medication, your healthcare physician may offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for an anxiety problem, as well as support groups for persons with ADHD and anxiety. Therapy can involve learning new coping strategies, addressing underlying cognitive patterns that contribute to anxiety, and practicing mindfulness.

There are four types of adult ADHD therapy.

Lifestyle Remedies

Anxiety can be managed through lifestyle changes. Here are some simple strategies to attempt. Get enough sleep to help you think clearly and concentrate better. Reduce overall stress to improve emotional resilience. Strengthen your emotional resilience to deal with everyday pressures. Create and sustain positive social ties to improve your own well-being.

Rule of Three for Anxiety

Anxiety can occur despite our best attempts. Coping on the spot can look like using the common and informal.To accomplish this anyplace, just identify: Here are three things you can move or touch, as well as the best online therapy for anxiety and how ADHD medication affects anxiety. The effects of ADHD medications, such as Adderall, can cause anxiety. For example, if living with ADHD causes anxiety, treating ADHD with medication may help to alleviate it. Keep in mind, however, that some stimulant drugs for ADHD may exacerbate anxiety associated with anxiety disorder. It is advisable to discuss all symptoms with your healthcare professional so that they can help choose the most effective course of action.