ADHD and Anxiety: The Relationship Explained

ADHD and anxiety are often spoken about in the same breath. And for good reason – research has shown that there is a strong relationship between the two conditions. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 60% of people with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder.

But what exactly is the relationship between ADHD and anxiety? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Anxiety?

Stress is a normal emotion that we all experience from time to time. Anxiety, however, is the feeling of worry or nervousness about something that may be threatening or dangerous.

For some people, feelings of anxiety or stress can be short-lived and triggered by a specific event, like a job interview or public speaking. But for others, anxiety is more chronic, lasting for weeks or even months. And it can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, like going to work or school.

There are several different types of anxiety issues, including:

Generalized anxiety: This is characterized by chronic and excessive worry about a variety of different things.

Social anxiety: This is when someone has a fear of social situations, like meeting new people or public speaking.

Panic: This is characterized by sudden and unexpected episodes of intense fear or anxiety, along with physical symptoms like heart palpitations or sweating.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically starts in childhood and can persist into adulthood.

People with ADHD have trouble sustaining attention and focus, and may be overly impulsive and hyperactive. symptoms can vary from person to person and may also fluctuate over time.

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it’s thought to be related to genetics and perhaps some environmental factors.

So, what does this have to do with anxiety? Let’s take a look.

The Relationship between ADHD and Anxiety

There are a few different ways to look at the relationship between ADHD and anxiety.

First, it’s important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can themselves lead to anxiety. For example, someone with ADHD may have trouble paying attention in class or at work. This can lead to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and anxiety.

In addition, people with ADHD may be more impulsive and make decisions without thinking them through. This can lead to anxiety-provoking situations, like getting into arguments or making impulsive decisions that have negative consequences.

Another way to look at the relationship between ADHD and anxiety is to consider the overlap in symptoms. For example, both ADHD and anxiety can cause problems with focus and concentration. They can also both cause restlessness and irritability.

Finally, there may be a shared underlying cause for both ADHD and anxiety. For example, research has shown that people with ADHD are more likely to have irregular levels of certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood regulation, and imbalances may lead to both ADHD and anxiety.

Treatment for ADHD and Anxiety

If you have both ADHD and anxiety, it’s important to seek treatment for both conditions.

There are a few different treatment options for ADHD, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and executive skills training. Therapy, for example, can help to teach and implement strategies like time management and organization. Medication can also be an option to manage the symptoms of ADHD.

For anxiety, treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or exposure therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help to change the way you think about and respond to anxiety-provoking situations. Exposure therapy can help you to gradually confront your fears and learn to manage your anxiety.

If you have ADHD and anxiety, you do have treatment options that can help with symptoms of both. I can tailor a treatment plan that’s right for you. For more information contact me here.

Seanna Crosbie, LCSW-S