When it comes to mental health conditions, symptoms aren’t always clear-cut. In fact, there can be significant overlap between the symptoms of entirely different conditions, making it challenging to pinpoint your diagnosis and get an appropriate treatment plan.
Two common conditions that share some similar symptoms are anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — and seeking a professional diagnosis is the best place to start. Our team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates specializes in telehealth psychotherapy, and in this blog, we're taking a closer look at three overlapping symptoms of anxiety and ADHD.
One of the primary symptoms anxiety and ADHD share is inattention and difficulty concentrating. People with anxiety may find themselves preoccupied with anxious thoughts, making it challenging to focus on tasks at hand. As a result, you might notice that your attention span and productivity suffer.
Similarly, people with ADHD can struggle with inattention. You may find it difficult to stay focused on one task, frequently becoming distracted by unrelated thoughts or external stimuli. This inattention can impact your ability to complete tasks, follow instructions, and stay organized.
The key distinction here is that in anxiety, inattention is driven by worry and fear. Anxiety can cause specific, overwhelming worries and thoughts that interfere with productivity, whereas in ADHD, inability to concentrate is a core feature of the disorder.
Restlessness and impulsivity are two more symptoms that can manifest in both anxiety and ADHD. For people with anxiety, restlessness often results from a constant state of tension and nervousness. You might feel the need to pace, fidget, or engage in repetitive behaviors as a way to cope with your feelings.
Impulsivity is a hallmark feature of ADHD. You may struggle with acting without thinking or making hasty decisions. While ADHD impulsivity is typically associated with hyperactivity, it can manifest in a more subtle, internalized form that appears more like restlessness.
Both anxiety and ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, causing mood swings, irritability, and difficulty managing emotions. With anxiety, constant worry and fear can result in heightened emotional responses. You might get easily upset, overwhelmed, or irritable.
With ADHD, emotional dysregulation can stem from the challenges of managing attention and impulsivity. Frustration over incomplete tasks, difficulty following instructions, and social challenges can lead to emotional outbursts or mood swings.
Given the overlap in symptoms between anxiety and ADHD, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to seek a professional evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.
Our mental health professionals at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments for both anxiety and ADHD. Your evaluation includes a thorough review of your medical and psychological history, along with an interview or standardized assessment.
The process helps us identify and diagnose the presence of one or both conditions and guides the development of your treatment plan. Depending on your needs, we may recommend therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other coping strategies.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to making sure you get the most appropriate and effective interventions, and we’re here to help. Schedule a telehealth consultation at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates online, or call the office nearest you to get started.
