What Is the Difference Between ADHD and Anxiety?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are separate conditions that can affect a person’s mood and behavior. ADHD is a behavioral disorder that affects attention, causes hyperactivity, and leads to impulsive actions.1 Anxiety is a mental health disorder that causes feelings of fear and nervousness.2

Mental healthcare providers like psychiatrists or psychologists can diagnose these conditions. About 4% of adults and 11% of children experience ADHD.34 About 19% of adults and 7% of children experience anxiety.5

While they are separate conditions, it is not uncommon to have both. Whether you have ADHD, anxiety, or both, there are treatment options available.6

Symptoms of ADHD vs. Anxiety

ADHD and anxiety share many of the same symptoms. Because there is so much overlap between the two conditions, knowing the symptoms and how they can differ is helpful. ADHD affects a person’s ability to concentrate and can lead to behavioral problems.7 Anxiety causes feelings of distress with no apparent cause.8

Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms you may experience with ADHD and anxiety.9

Symptoms of ADHD	Symptoms of Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating	Difficulty concentrating
Restlessness	Restlessness
Inability to relax	Inability to relax
Trouble sleeping	Trouble sleeping
Trouble finishing a task	Worry
Easily distracted	Nervousness
Forgetfulness	Fear without a known cause
Frequent fidgeting	Irritability
Difficulty following directions	Increased heart rate
Impulsivity	Rapid breathing
Tendency to interrupt others	Headaches
Anger	Avoidance

Differences

While ADHD and anxiety share some symptoms, there are key differences that help with making a diagnosis and determining the appropriate treatment.

Anxiety Is a Mental Health Disorder

ADHD and anxiety are different types of conditions. ADHD is a form of neurodivergence (when the brain works differently than the typical brain) and is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s behaviors. Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes feelings of worry and nervousness.7

ADHD Is Often Diagnosed in Childhood

Symptoms of ADHD usually present in childhood. ADHD can be diagnosed as early as elementary school because children with ADHD often experience challenges in school due to problems concentrating and sitting still.2 Children can be diagnosed with anxiety, too, but it is more frequently diagnosed in older teens, young adults, and adults.5

Many females with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood because their symptoms tend to be more subtle than in males.10

The Treatment Options Aren’t the Same

Both ADHD and anxiety can improve with treatment, such as medication and therapy. However, the two treatment plans are different.

People with ADHD may benefit from taking a stimulant medication such as Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) or a non-stimulant such as Strattera (atomoxetine) to help with concentration and focus.11

You may be able to manage anxiety symptoms with anti-anxiety medications. These include antidepressants like Zoloft (sertraline) and benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam).8 If you have both conditions, keep in mind that some ADHD medications, like stimulants, can worsen anxiety symptoms.11

Similarities

There are many areas of overlap between ADHD and anxiety. While both conditions can make certain aspects of life challenging, effective treatment options are available.

Both Conditions Can Feel Similar

People living with ADHD often feel worried about their ADHD symptoms, such as concentration issues, which can lead to feelings of anxiety.9

People with anxiety may find it difficult to concentrate because of overwhelming feelings of worry and nervousness. If you have uncontrolled anxiety, you may feel unable to sit still or focus on a task—similar to feelings that someone with ADHD might have.8

Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Both Conditions

In addition to medication and therapy, several lifestyle factors can improve both ADHD and anxiety. Many people with ADHD or anxiety develop a lifestyle plan with a therapist to help them avoid triggers and function better.

Lifestyle changes that can improve ADHD and anxiety include:12

• Quality sleep: Focus on getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night
• Nutritious diet: Fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods, and avoid going too long without eating
• Routine schedule: Create a realistic schedule for yourself and do your best to stick to it
• Regular exercise: Try physical exercise to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve focus13
• Stress management: Work with a therapist to learn stress management techniques like relaxation and mindfulness

Both Conditions Benefit From Therapy

Therapy is an effective treatment option for both ADHD and anxiety. People with ADHD, anxiety, or both often benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that addresses unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.11

For ADHD, therapy may help build skills and routines that improve organization, prioritization, and time management.14 If your child has ADHD, you may be involved in therapy sessions so you can learn strategies for how to help your child cope.15

Therapy can help you manage anxiety by teaching you how to act or think differently in situations that make you anxious. You may be exposed to those anxiety-inducing experiences so you can learn how to manage your anxiety in real time.16

Can You Have Both ADHD and Anxiety?

It is not uncommon to have both ADHD and anxiety. Researchers believe that anxiety may be more common in people with ADHD because the worry about ADHD symptoms contributes to the development of anxiety symptoms.17

Up to 50% of adults with ADHD may have an anxiety disorder. About 25% of adults with ADHD have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, an anxiety disorder that causes persistent worry or fear that can interfere with everyday life.6

About 4 in 10 children with ADHD have anxiety. If a child has both conditions, they are more likely to have severe ADHD.4

When To Seek Care and Who to Contact

Both ADHD and anxiety can be managed with treatment. Contact your primary healthcare provider or your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned that you or your child are experiencing symptoms of one or both of these conditions.

A pediatrician can likely diagnose ADHD, though they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for diagnosis and treatment.18 A primary care provider may also send you to a mental health provider if you or your child has anxiety that is affecting school, work, or relationships.19

A Quick Review

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are conditions that affect how a person feels, thinks, and acts. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes problems with concentration and impulsivity, while anxiety is a mental health condition that causes intense feelings of worry and nervousness. It is possible to experience both conditions at the same time.

ADHD and anxiety share many of the same symptoms, like difficulty concentrating and trouble sleeping. The treatment options for both conditions are different, and some ADHD medications can worsen anxiety.

Talk with your primary healthcare provider if you are concerned about ADHD or anxiety symptoms. Consider meeting with a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine your diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.