Trouble concentrating, sleep problems, racing thoughts. If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms point to anxiety or ADHD, you’re not alone. These two mental health conditions can share many similar symptoms, but the clinical implications of misdiagnosis can be significant.
At Mind Balance Psychiatry, we know that anxiety and ADHD require different approaches. That’s why we take a thorough, evidence-based approach to diagnosing ADHD, treating anxiety, and helping you find the right treatment for your mind, body, and life.
Ready to stop guessing and start healing? Book an appointment to explore the right treatment for your mind, body, and life.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, while anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, or social anxiety disorder are rooted in excessive fear or worry. Yet anxiety and ADHD can look nearly identical at times — a fact that often leads to confusion and missed diagnoses.
Here are some common overlapping symptoms:
- Difficulty focusing or being easily distracted
- Restlessness or fidgeting
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed or irritable
- Muscle tension or muscle aches
The difference between ADHD and anxiety often lies in the cause. Someone with ADHD symptoms may have trouble filtering distractions or following through on tasks due to inattention symptoms and impulsivity. In contrast, a person with persistent anxiety might struggle to focus because of excessive worry or fear of failure.
In short, with ADHD, the mind drifts. With anxiety, it races.
Why an Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Because ADHD and anxiety often coexist — a condition known as comorbid disorders or comorbid anxiety — an accurate diagnosis is essential. Research shows that both ADHD and anxiety are linked to increased risk for academic, professional, and social challenges if left untreated.
A proper diagnosis involves:
- A thorough clinical history and clinical interview
- Review of your family history and past treatment experiences
- Understanding of psychological symptoms and physical symptoms, like insomnia or muscle tension
- Use of criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association
We also screen for anxiety and depression using tools from organizations like the Anxiety and Depression Association of America to ensure we’re not overlooking additional conditions that may affect your care.
What About Having Both?
Many people struggle with ADHD and anxiety symptoms simultaneously, especially teens and adults with adult ADHD. In fact, studies show that ADHD anxiety comorbidity is common, especially among anxious children and adults under chronic stress.
This overlap can complicate treatment:
- ADHD medication (particularly stimulant medications) may exacerbate anxiety symptoms in some individuals.
- Treating ADHD alone might not resolve underlying psychological symptoms or excessive worry tied to anxiety disorders.
- Treating anxiety without acknowledging ADHD brain patterns can leave you feeling stuck or unmotivated.
That’s why we consider your clinical history, daily challenges, and personal goals when developing your treatment plan.
Mind Balance’s Whole-Person Approach
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, ADHD, or both, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that reflects your needs, goals, and preferences.
We consider:
- The hyperactive, impulsive presentation of ADHD versus the inward worry of generalized anxiety disorder
- Whether your diagnostic criteria point to ADHD or a more anxiety-driven pattern
- Any clinical practice history of medication use, therapy, or coping strategies
- Your goals, challenges, and values
From there, we build a personalized care plan that may include:
1. Medication Management
If appropriate, we’ll discuss non-stimulant medications, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or a tailored ADHD treatment strategy. We closely monitor for drug interactions, possible side effects, and how other medications, supplements, or conditions like high blood pressure or depression may impact your response.
2. Evidence-Based Therapy
Therapy is highly effective for treating anxiety, ADHD, or both. We may recommend:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage negative thought patterns
- Executive function coaching for organization, time management, and planning
- Mindfulness-based approaches to reduce worry and increase focus
3. Ongoing Support and Education
Whether you’re managing anxiety symptoms, ADHD struggles, or both, we’ll help you understand your brain and how to work with it, not against it.
You Deserve Clarity — and Compassion
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I have ADHD or anxiety?” or felt confused by similar symptoms, it’s time for answers you can trust. With expert guidance and a caring team, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
At Mind Balance Psychiatry, we specialize in nuanced diagnosis, integrated care, and effective treatment that helps you feel better — and stay better.
Struggling to tell the difference between anxiety or ADHD? Schedule a personalized evaluation with our expert team today.
