In short
- Anxiety is one of the most common conditions to occur alongside adult ADHD.
- Both can cause poor concentration, restlessness and sleep problems, so they are easy to confuse.
- Treating one without recognising the other can leave people stuck, so a full assessment matters.
Why ADHD and anxiety often go together
Many adults with ADHD also live with anxiety. Sometimes they are two separate conditions. Often, though, the anxiety grows out of years of living with untreated ADHD: forgotten deadlines, last minute panics, criticism at school or work, and the constant feeling that something has been missed. Worry becomes a way of trying to stay on top of things.
Symptoms that overlap
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness and feeling on edge
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed by tasks
How to tell them apart
Clinicians look at where the difficulties come from and when they started:
- Cause of poor focus: in anxiety, attention is pulled towards worries. In ADHD, attention drifts even when you feel calm, especially on boring tasks.
- Timeline: ADHD symptoms start in childhood and are present most of the time. Anxiety may come and go, or start after a stressful period.
- Pattern: people with ADHD often feel calmer when fully engaged in something interesting. Anxiety tends to follow you into enjoyable activities too.
This is why a structured assessment, such as the DIVA-5, looks closely at your childhood as well as your adult life.
How treatment works when you have both
There is no single approach for everyone. A psychiatrist will usually consider which condition is causing the most difficulty and plan treatment step by step. Some people find their anxiety eases once their ADHD is treated, because daily life becomes more manageable. Others need treatment for both. Any medication decision should be made with a doctor who knows your full history.
Talking therapies can help with both conditions. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) adapted for adult ADHD can build practical skills for planning and organisation, as well as ways to manage worry.
Everyday strategies that can help
- Get things out of your head: use one calendar and one to do list
- Break big tasks into small first steps, and start with five minutes
- Set reminders well before deadlines, not on the day
- Protect your sleep with a regular wind down routine
- Move your body most days; exercise helps both focus and anxiety
- Cut back on caffeine if it makes you jittery
When to get help
If worry and poor focus are affecting your work, relationships or wellbeing, it is worth talking to a professional. If you think ADHD may be part of the picture, an ADHD assessment can help clarify what is going on. If you are in crisis, call 112 or 999, or contact Samaritans free on 116 123.
Sources: HSE; HSE mental health information; DSM-5-TR (American Psychiatric Association); NICE guideline NG87 on ADHD diagnosis and management.
This guide is general information to help you understand your options. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules and benefits can change, so please check with the organisation concerned. If you are in crisis, call 112 or 999, or contact Samaritans free on 116 123.