What is the Connection Between ADHD and Anxiety Disorder?
Jake Newby
| 4 min read
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorder are two separate conditions, but roughly 50% of adults with ADHD are also diagnosed with anxiety disorder.
The main question that surrounds the bidirectional relationship between the two disorders is which one causes which? If you think you suffer from both disorders and want to get to the root of the issue, recognizing certain patterns can help you identify the issue so you can seek proper treatment.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, issues with executive functioning or a combination. Symptoms may include:
- An inability to focus
- Disorganization
- Procrastination
- Restlessness
Most people experience these symptoms to some degree, but for those living with ADHD, these symptoms become so persistent and pervasive that they will impact everyday life, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA).
What is anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorder, also referred to as general anxiety disorder (GAD) is an illness that involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread. This condition can also interfere with daily life, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). It is not the same as occasionally worrying or feeling anxious during stressful moments. People with anxiety disorder experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years. Symptoms include:
- Being easily fatigued
- Consistently wound-up or on-edge
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or unexplained pains
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Sleep problems
- Struggling to control feelings of worry
Can ADHD cause anxiety?
People who are overwhelmed by their ADHD symptoms may develop anxiety disorder, and worrying constantly about being unable to complete tasks can lead to the development of anxiety-related symptoms. For example, if you keep missing work deadlines or fail to prepare for meetings, you may begin suffering from a combination of the anxiety symptoms listed above and the disorders may co-occur for you. This same scenario may also mean you have undiagnosed ADHD, which could be the source of much of your anxiety.
Can anxiety cause ADHD?
Severe anxiety can affect an individual’s ability to focus, but anxiety doesn’t cause ADHD itself. Researchers aren’t sure what causes ADHD. According to the NIMH, a combination of genetics and environmental factors such as brain injuries, nutrition and social environments may increase the risk of developing ADHD.
This is why getting to the root of the issue is so critical, because often, if you do not have ADHD, treating the anxiety can cause your inability to concentrate to subside.
How to discuss ADHD and anxiety disorder with your doctor
Making an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) to discuss ADHD and your anxiety symptoms can help lead to treatment. Here are questions your PCP may ask:
- Are you getting enough sleep?
- Are your fears and worries stopping you from engaging in regular activities?
- Do any of your family members have a history of anxiety?
- Do you feel anxious multiple times per week for an hour or more per day?
- Do you have a hard time controlling these worries?
- Do you regularly drink alcohol or use recreational drugs?
- Do you worry about things that are difficult to rationalize?
- Have your feelings of anxiety been occasional or continuous?
- Have you had a big life event happen recently?
Your PCP will typically ask questions and assess your specific areas of impairment, such as issues with attention, impulsivity, sleep, work, school or family life, to figure out the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment for ADHD and anxiety disorder
Living with ADHD and a comorbid disorder like anxiety disorders can complicate treatment, according to the ADAA. It is possible that your treatment for ADHD may ease your anxiety, meaning you only need to take ADHD medication instead of multiple different meds.
The most common medications for ADHD are stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. However, anxiety is a common side effect of stimulants and could make your comorbid disorder worse. In this case, your PCP may suggest non-stimulant medications or certain antidepressants. Your PCP may also recommend counseling services, or a combination of both medication and counseling. Additionally, here are some organizational and time management tips to practice if you are living with ADHD.
Read on:
- What is the Connection Between ADHD and Anxiety Disorder?
- The Link Between Stress and Anxiety
- Anxiety at Work: What to Do About It?
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