Is It ADHD or Anxiety? How to Tell the Difference
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you're living with ADHD or anxiety, you’re not alone. These two conditions often overlap in symptoms — like restlessness, difficulty focusing, and racing thoughts — which can make it difficult to know what’s really going on.
Understanding the differences (and the similarities) can help you take the next step toward the right support.
Shared Symptoms: Why ADHD and Anxiety Can Look Alike
Both ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and anxiety disorders can cause:
Trouble focusing or staying on task
Feeling overwhelmed easily
Restlessness or physical tension
Difficulty sleeping
Forgetfulness or disorganisation
Constant worry or a "busy brain"
It’s no wonder people often misidentify one as the other — or even live with both without realising it.
What’s at the Root? ADHD vs Anxiety
To untangle the difference, it helps to look at the root causes:
ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. The brain processes attention, executive function (like planning and memory), and self-regulation differently. This means people with ADHD often:
Struggle to filter distractions
Find it hard to start or complete tasks
Lose track of time or misplace things
Act on impulse or shift focus frequently
ADHD is not caused by stress — though stress can make symptoms worse.
Anxiety
Anxiety, on the other hand, is typically driven by excessive worry or fear. Your brain enters a heightened state of alert, constantly scanning for potential danger. This can lead to:
Overthinking and second-guessing decisions
Physical symptoms like muscle tension or nausea
Avoidance behaviours
Trouble sleeping due to worry
In short: Anxiety is rooted in fear; ADHD is rooted in brain wiring.
Can You Have Both? Yes — and It’s Common
Many people live with both ADHD and anxiety, and they can feed into one another.
Someone with untreated ADHD might feel anxious because they’re constantly missing deadlines or forgetting important tasks.
Someone with anxiety might look like they have ADHD because their brain is always “elsewhere.”
A qualified mental health professional can help untangle these threads — and offer support that matches your needs.
Key Differences at a Glance
ADHD
Main challenge: Attention, focus, and regulation
Thought pattern: Scattered or distracted
Triggers: Internal (boredom, overstimulation)
Relief from symptoms: Novelty or stimulation can help
Treatment: Often includes structure and stimulation
Anxiety
Main challenge: Worry, fear, and avoidance
Thought pattern: Repetitive and worry-driven
Triggers: External (social situations, fears)
Relief from symptoms: Reassurance or control helps
Treatment: Often includes calming and exposure strategies
What Clients Often Say
“I start a task, then jump to something else without finishing. Is it ADHD?”
“I can’t focus because I’m constantly worried. Could it be anxiety?”
“My brain never slows down. I’m exhausted.”
These are the kinds of statements I often hear in therapy — and they’re important clues to what’s underneath the surface.
How Therapy Can Help
Whether you’re dealing with ADHD, anxiety, or both, therapy can help you:
Understand how your brain works
Learn practical strategies for focus and calm
Manage overwhelm and burnout
Explore medication options if appropriate
Build self-esteem and reduce shame
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
If you're unsure whether it's ADHD, anxiety, or something else entirely, speaking with a mental health professional can bring clarity and relief.
I offer a safe, supportive space to explore what’s really going on — and how we can work together to make daily life feel more manageable.
