Can ADHD cause anxiety?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are two common mental health conditions that can significantly affect a person’s daily life. 

ADHD is characteristics include difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, while anxiety can involve excessive worry, fear, and unease. Many people with ADHD often wonder if their condition can lead to anxiety. 

How does ADHD affect anxiety?

Research suggests people with ADHD may experience chronic stress due to the challenges of managing their symptoms in daily life. This stress can increase anxiety levels, as the body is constantly in a state of fight or flight.

There are several ways in which ADHD can affect anxiety, including:

• increased stress levels
• difficulty regulating emotions
• hyperactive or impulsive behaviors

People with ADHD may experience difficulty regulating their emotions, often experiencing intense emotions such as frustration, anger, or sadness. This can increase anxiety levels, as you may feel overwhelmed.

Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors are common in people with ADHD, which can also lead to anxiety. This can cause some people to feel anxious in social situations, leading to avoidance and isolation.

While there is a connection between ADHD and anxiety, not everyone with ADHD will experience anxiety. If you’re experiencing anxiety, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about your symptoms. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and decide a suitable treatment plan. 

Symptoms

ADHD and anxiety can manifest in various ways, including:

• Restlessness: People with ADHD anxiety may experience an inner sense of restlessness or an inability to relax. They may have difficulty sitting still or constantly feel the need to be on the move.
• Difficulty concentrating: ADHD anxiety can make it challenging for you to focus and pay attention. You may find it difficult to stay on task.
• Racing thoughts: Anxiety can cause a whirlwind of thoughts, and people with ADHD may experience a heightened intensity of these racing thoughts. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm and difficulty in organizing your thinking.
• Excessive worry: People with ADHD anxiety may have persistent and excessive worries about everyday situations or specific tasks. These worries may be unrealistic or out of proportion to the actual circumstance.
• Physical symptoms: Anxiety can sometimes cause several physical symptoms, which you may experience alongside regular ADHD symptoms. Examples include:
  • rapid heartbeat
  • shortness of breath
  • diarrhea
  • tremors
  • stomach pain
• Sleep difficulties: Anxiety can often disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or having restless and disturbed sleep. This can further exacerbate ADHD symptoms during the day.

However, not everyone with ADHD will experience anxiety, and the specific symptoms and severity can vary between people.

Treatment for ADHD

Some treatment options that can help people with ADHD include:

Behavioral therapy

Healthcare professionals often recommend behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to treat ADHD. It can help you develop skills to manage symptoms, improve problem-solving abilities, and regulate emotions. 

You can learn techniques to improve organization and time management and reduce impulsive behaviors through structured sessions with a trained therapist.

Medication options for ADHD

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), stimulant medications can help increase focus and decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity.

The most common medications are:

• Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall). These medications increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and hormones such as dopamine in the brain to help with focus and attention. 
• Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) are also options, particularly for people who cannot tolerate stimulant medications or have certain medical conditions. 

A healthcare professional will speak with you about your medical history before prescribing medication to ensure your treatment is the most suitable for your needs.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, Optum Perks’ free Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

How can ADHD be managed? 

Managing ADHD can involve a combination of lifestyle measures and treatment options. Some strategies to help you effectively manage ADHD include:

• Establish a consistent routine: Maintaining a structured daily schedule can help you stay organized and focused. Set specific times for activities such as waking up, meals, work or school tasks, and bedtime.
• Create an organized environment: Keeping your physical space tidy and clutter-free can reduce distractions and improve concentration. Use storage solutions, labels, and color-coding systems to keep items easily accessible and organized.
• Break tasks into smaller steps: Large tasks can easily overwhelm people with ADHD. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can make them more achievable. Use a to-do list or a task management app to keep track of your progress and stay focused.
• Use visual aids: Visual cues, such as calendars, schedules, and alarms, can help you remember important dates. Place these reminders in prominent locations to increase their visibility and effectiveness.
• Regular exercise: Physical activity has been found to affect ADHD symptoms positively. Engaging in regular exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, can help improve focus, attention, and overall well-being.
• Adequate sleep: Establish a calming and regular sleep routine, and avoid electronic devices or stimulating activities close to bedtime to promote better sleep quality.
• Healthy diet: While nutrition alone cannot cure ADHD, a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains can support brain health. Avoiding excessive sugar and processed foods may also help manage symptoms.

Where can you find support for ADHD?

Support groups can provide a safe space for sharing experiences and receiving emotional support from others. 

Examples of organisations that offer support for individuals with ADHD include:

• Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA): This organization offers virtual peer support groups and virtual work groups to help you gain the tools needed to manage day-to-day activities.
• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): This organization supports both children and adults through groups and helpful resources. Their website also offers a search tool that allows you to find your nearest support group.

Summary

Research shows that there is a strong association between ADHD and anxiety. While ADHD itself may not directly cause anxiety, the challenges and difficulties that often accompany the condition can lead to the development of anxiety symptoms.

However, a comprehensive treatment approach that combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies can significantly improve symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be experiencing ADHD anxiety, consider talking with a healthcare professional who can provide you with the necessary support and guidance.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.