Why ADHD Can Look Like Anxiety - and What Makes Them Different

When it comes to mental health, symptoms don’t always fit neatly into one category. This is especially true with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Anxiety Disorders, which often overlap in how they affect a person’s thoughts, behaviors, and daily life. Because of these similarities, it’s not uncommon for someone with ADHD to be misdiagnosed with anxiety or for someone with anxiety to be evaluated for ADHD. Understanding where they intersect, and how they differ, is key to getting the right treatment and support.
 

Why ADHD and Anxiety Can Look Alike

• Restlessness and Fidgeting: Both conditions can make it hard to sit still. A person with ADHD may fidget because of hyperactivity, while someone with anxiety may fidget due to nervous tension.

• Difficulty Concentrating: In ADHD, focus issues come from an inability to regulate attention, often switching rapidly between tasks. With anxiety, concentration problems stem from racing or intrusive thoughts that pull attention away from the task at hand.

• Sleep Problems: Trouble falling or staying asleep is common in both ADHD and anxiety. Hyperactive energy or an overactive mind can keep someone awake long after they want to rest.

• Irritability: Both disorders can lead to irritability. For those with ADHD, frustration often comes from challenges with organization or completing tasks. With anxiety, irritability may be fueled by constant worry and heightened sensitivity to stress.
 

What Makes ADHD Different

ADHD is primarily a neurodevelopmental disorder where the brain struggles with executive functions such as planning, prioritizing, and managing impulses. Unlike anxiety, which often flares up in response to stressors, ADHD symptoms remain consistent across different settings - whether at work, school, or home.

A common feature of ADHD is forgetfulness. Individuals may frequently lose items, miss deadlines, or zone out during conversations. These behaviors aren’t necessarily linked to stress or worry but instead reflect difficulties with attention regulation and memory.

Impulsivity is another key characteristic of ADHD. This can show up as blurting things out, interrupting others, or making quick decisions without fully considering the consequences. Unlike anxiety, which tends to revolve around overthinking and caution, impulsivity is not a typical hallmark of an anxiety disorder.
 

What Makes Anxiety Different

Anxiety primarily centers on persistent, overwhelming worry. These worries may focus on the future, personal safety, performance, or relationships. Over time, they can escalate and trigger physical responses such as sweating, trembling, or a rapid heartbeat.

Unlike ADHD, which presents symptoms consistently across settings, anxiety often intensifies in particular situations. Common triggers include public speaking, crowded spaces, or looming deadlines. The stress of these moments amplifies the sense of worry and unease.

In addition to emotional strain, anxiety frequently shows up in the body. Muscle tension, stomach discomfort, and headaches are physical manifestations more closely tied to anxiety than ADHD. These symptoms highlight the mind-body connection and the toll that excessive worry can take on overall health.
 

When ADHD and Anxiety Coexist

It’s important to note that ADHD and anxiety can occur together. People with ADHD are more likely than the general population to experience an anxiety disorder. When both are present, symptoms can amplify each other: difficulty focusing may increase worry, and heightened anxiety can further disrupt attention.
 

Discover the Right Care for Your Needs

While ADHD and anxiety share many similarities, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes. Misinterpreting one for the other can delay proper treatment and support. A mental health professional can help by conducting a thorough evaluation, considering your full history, and developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If you or a loved one are struggling with focus, restlessness, or overwhelming worry, it may be time to seek professional support. At In Focus Mental Health, we specialize in understanding the nuances of ADHD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Contact our office in Dallas, Texas, by calling (469) 988-4890 to schedule a consultation today.