ADHD & MENTAL HEALTH

When ADHD and Anxiety Coexist: How to Recognise the Signs and Find Support

Many adults navigating ADHD also experience symptoms of anxiety. This article explores how these conditions may overlap and how understanding both can lead to more effective care.

ADHD and Anxiety: Similarities and Differences

It is common for individuals with ADHD to also experience symptoms of anxiety. In fact, research suggests that up to half of adults diagnosed with ADHD may have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. While the two conditions can look similar from the outside, they involve different underlying processes and benefit from tailored support.

ADHD is primarily associated with challenges in executive function – such as attention regulation, task initiation, and impulse control. Anxiety, on the other hand, centres around excessive worry, fear, and often a heightened stress response.

Common Areas of Overlap

ADHD and anxiety can both lead to a range of overlapping symptoms, including:

Trouble concentrating or staying focused
Restlessness or difficulty relaxing
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty completing tasks or following through
Physical symptoms such as tension, rapid heart rate, or digestive discomfort

However, the reasons behind these symptoms may differ. For example, focus issues in ADHD are often due to distractibility, while in anxiety, they may stem from racing thoughts or fear of making mistakes.

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Understanding whether symptoms are driven by ADHD, anxiety, or both is crucial for effective treatment. An experienced psychiatrist ADHD care provider can help differentiate the two and determine the most appropriate support strategies.

During a comprehensive telehealth ADHD diagnosis, a mental health professional will typically explore:

Developmental history and childhood patterns
How symptoms present across different settings (e.g. work, home, social life)
The timeline and triggers of anxious thoughts or behaviours
Any co-occurring conditions, such as depression or trauma

It is not uncommon for people to be misdiagnosed with anxiety when underlying ADHD has gone unrecognised. Conversely, some individuals may have anxiety as a separate condition that coexists with ADHD.

How Anxiety Might Appear in Adults with ADHD

When ADHD and anxiety occur together, the interaction can intensify certain challenges. For example:

Worry about being late, forgetting details, or missing deadlines
Fear of being judged due to perceived disorganisation or inconsistency
Avoidance of tasks that feel overwhelming, leading to a cycle of anxiety and procrastination
Social anxiety or sensitivity to perceived criticism

These experiences may show up differently depending on a person’s background, environment, or gender. ADHD in women, for instance, may often go unrecognised until adulthood, in part because it can present differently compared to the more overt hyperactive behaviours typically associated with the condition. Rather than impulsivity or visible restlessness, many women may experience predominantly inattentive symptoms such as mental drifting, disorganisation, or chronic forgetfulness, which can be easily mistaken for anxiety or low motivation. Internalised anxiety may also develop over time, often as a response to struggling silently with these challenges. Historical societal expectations for women to be organised, emotionally regulated, and self-sacrificing can further compound this experience, encouraging masking behaviours and discouraging help-seeking. As a result, ADHD may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.

Strategies for Managing ADHD and Anxiety Together

Effective care often involves addressing both conditions in an integrated way. Strategies might include:

1. Building Routine and External Supports

Use visual schedules, reminders, and planners to reduce mental load
Break tasks into manageable steps to lower overwhelm
Create calming transition rituals between activities

2. Managing Physical Health

Prioritise sleep, regular meals, and physical activity to support emotional regulation
Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can increase anxiety symptoms

3. Therapeutic Support

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be adapted to support both ADHD and anxiety
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques may help calm an overactive stress response
ADHD coaching may also support executive functioning challenges

4. Explore Individualised Treatment Plans

A qualified provider can help explore ADHD treatment options that suit your needs. When ADHD and anxiety are both present, a balanced approach is essential. This may involve psychological therapies, lifestyle strategies, or in some cases, ADHD medication. As always, decisions about ADHD medication are made on a case-by-case basis by the treating psychiatrist.

Some individuals also wonder how to get ADHD medication in Australia as part of their care. This is discussed during the assessment process, depending on individual suitability and needs.

When to Seek Help

If anxiety is affecting your ability to function or if ADHD symptoms feel increasingly difficult to manage, it might be time to reach out. A formal online ADHD diagnosis in Australia can provide clarity and a personalised path forward.

Understanding the overlap between ADHD and anxiety is a crucial step in gaining the right support. With the right information and care, it is possible to manage both conditions and improve overall quality of life.

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you are experiencing anxiety, ADHD symptoms, or both, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional for individual guidance and support.