Struggling to concentrate—could it be ADHD, or is it anxiety?
If you’ve ever found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. The symptoms of ADHD and anxiety can look similar on the surface, leading many people to wonder which condition they might have, or if they’re living with both. In fact, it’s common for people to be misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or unsure of what’s really going on.
This guide is here to help you make sense of it all. Whether you’re someone who suspects you might have ADHD or anxiety, a parent concerned about your child’s behaviour, or simply interested in better understanding mental health, we’ll break down the difference between ADHD and anxiety, and explain why it’s so easy to get them confused.
We’ll also explore how each condition is diagnosed and treated, and when it’s time to reach out for professional help.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopment condition that affects both children and adults. People with ADHD often struggle with regulating attention, managing impulses, and controlling hyperactive behaviours. However, it’s important to understand that not everyone with ADHD is hyperactive.
Core Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD is usually broken down into three main types:
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- Inattentive type: difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, being easily distracted
- Hyperactive-impulsive type: excessive movement, talking, impulsiveness
- Combined type: a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms
ADHD in Children vs Adults
In children, ADHD might look like bouncing from one activity to another, blurting out answers in class, or constantly fidgeting. In adults, hyperactivity can appear more like inner restlessness, such as feeling unable to relax, always needing to be busy, or struggling with time management and organisation.
Common Challenges of ADHD
Living with ADHD can affect all areas of life, from school and work performance to relationships and self-esteem. Common difficulties include:
- Forgetting appointments or tasks
- Starting projects but not finishing them
- Difficulty listening or following instructions
- Impulsively making decisions
- Emotional regulation issues
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger. However, for people with anxiety disorders, that response becomes chronic, excessive, or out of proportion to the actual situation.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
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- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): ongoing worry about everyday things
- Social Anxiety Disorder: fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings
- Panic Disorder: sudden episodes of intense fear (panic attacks)
- Phobias: irrational fears of specific objects or situations
All of these anxieties can be helped with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Key Symptoms of Anxiety
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- Constant worry or fear
- Feeling on edge or restless
- Muscle tension and tightness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Racing thoughts
- Increased heart rate, sweating, or nausea
People with anxiety may avoid certain situations, struggle to make decisions, or constantly seek reassurance. It can feel like your mind won’t switch off, even when you’re exhausted. Physical symptoms often accompany the mental ones, making anxiety not just something you “feel,” but something you “live.”
If you’re struggling with these symptoms, there are ways to manage and overcome them. Explore professional treatment for anxiety to find support that works for you.
Key Differences Between ADHD and Anxiety
Although ADHD and anxiety can present with similar behaviours, the underlying causes and experiences are different. Here’s how they compare in key areas:
Focus and Attention
ADHD: Difficulty maintaining focus across all types of tasks. Attention tends to drift naturally, regardless of stress levels.
Anxiety: Trouble concentrating because your mind is preoccupied with worry or fear about the future.
Source of Distractibility
ADHD: Thoughts jump unpredictably. You might be in the middle of a task and suddenly think about something totally unrelated.
Anxiety: Your focus is disrupted by anxious thoughts, often revolving around worst-case scenarios or “what ifs.”
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety: Often includes physical signs like sweating, shaking, nausea, or rapid heartbeat.
ADHD: May include fidgeting or restlessness but not the same physical tension or panic-like symptoms.
Motivation & Procrastination
ADHD: Procrastination happens due to executive dysfunction, such as difficulty initiating tasks and staying on track.
Anxiety: Procrastination can come from fear of failure or fear of making the wrong choice.
Shared and Overlapping Symptoms of ADHD and Anxiety
Because they affect similar areas of the brain, it’s no surprise that ADHD and anxiety share many symptoms. These include:
- Trouble focusing: both conditions can interfere with concentration, but for different reasons.
- Restlessness: anxiety feels like nervous energy, while ADHD feels more like boredom or the need for stimulation.
- Sleep issues: difficulty falling or staying asleep is common in both, whether due to racing thoughts (anxiety) or an irregular routine (ADHD).
- People with ADHD often suffer with insomnia due to their brain not being able to “switch off.”
- Irritability: frustration from mental overload, fatigue, or emotional dysregulation is present in both conditions.
Why They’re Often Misdiagnosed
The overlap in symptoms is a big reason why ADHD and anxiety are often confused. But it’s not just that…
- Stigma and misunderstanding: Many people associate ADHD only with hyperactive boys or assume anxiety is just “overthinking.”
- Under-diagnosis in women and girls: ADHD, in particular, often goes unrecognised in females due to more subtle symptoms like daydreaming or emotional sensitivity.
- Co-occurrence: It’s entirely possible (and even common) for someone to have both ADHD and anxiety. In fact, studies suggest up to 50% of people with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder.
Diagnosis & Treatment for ADHD & Anxiety
If you’ve ever wondered, “is it anxiety or ADHD?”, the best way to find out is through a professional evaluation.
How Diagnosis Works
Diagnosing either condition typically involves:
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- A detailed history of symptoms and experiences
- Questionnaires or behaviour checklists
- Interviews with the person (and sometimes parents, teachers, or partners)
- Ruling out other conditions or causes
- In some cases, you may be referred to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or ADHD specialist.
Treatment Options
For ADHD:
Medication
Behavioural therapy
Coaching to build routines and strategies
Lifestyle support (sleep, diet, exercise)
For Anxiety:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helps identify and challenge anxious thoughts
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Medication (such as SSRIs)
Lifestyle changes – exercise, sleep hygiene, cutting down caffeine
People often worry that they’re getting diagnosed with one issue, but they actually have the other. Treating anxiety when someone actually has ADHD (or vice versa) can be problematic. For example, giving someone anxiety medication without addressing their ADHD might dull symptoms but not improve functioning. That’s why accurate diagnosis is essential. With the right help, this is completely avoidable.
When to Seek Help
Not sure if it’s ADHD or anxiety? You’re not alone. Here are signs it’s time to talk to a professional:
- Your symptoms are affecting your work, relationships, or wellbeing
- You feel overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated
- You’ve tried self-help but aren’t seeing improvements
- You suspect you might have both conditions
Support Resources include:
- GPs and NHS mental health services
- ADHD coaches and therapists
- Online support groups
- Charities like Mind, Anxiety UK, and the ADHD Foundation
Whether you’re asking “do I have anxiety or ADHD?” or “is it ADHD or anxiety causing this?”, know that you’re not alone, and there is support available.
While ADHD and anxiety share many features, they stem from different roots and require tailored approaches. Understanding the difference between anxiety and ADHD can be the first step to feeling more in control of your mental health.
If this guide has helped you identify with some of the symptoms described, consider reaching out for a professional evaluation. There’s no shame in seeking answers, and doing so can unlock the strategies and support you need to thrive.