Anxiety or ADHD? How to Tell the Difference and Find the Right Suppor
Many people struggle with difficulty concentrating, being easily distracted, poor focus, inattention, short-term memory issues, and restlessness. These symptoms are often associated with ADHD, but they can also be a sign of anxiety. So, how do you know which one you’re dealing with?
As a Clinical Psychologist, I often see clients who come in convinced they have ADHD because they can’t focus, their mind jumps from task to task, and they struggle with forgetfulness. However, in many cases, their anxiety is actually the root cause. Anxiety can masquerade as ADHD, leading to misdiagnosis or confusion about what’s really happening.
How Anxiety and ADHD Overlap
Both anxiety and ADHD affect attention, memory, and mental clarity, which is why they can feel so similar. When anxiety is present, the brain is often in a heightened state of alertness, making it difficult to focus on tasks at hand. Racing thoughts, excessive worry, and fear of failure can all contribute to difficulty concentrating. On the other hand, ADHD impacts executive function, making it hard to maintain focus, organize thoughts, and follow through with tasks.
Key Differences Between Anxiety and ADHD
The Root Cause of Inattention: With anxiety, distraction often comes from excessive worry or overthinking. In ADHD, distraction is caused by the brain’s difficulty regulating attention and filtering out unimportant information.
Impulsivity vs. Overthinking: ADHD often leads to impulsive decision-making, while anxiety causes excessive caution and hesitation.
Restlessness vs. Hyperactivity: Both conditions can cause fidgeting or an inability to sit still, but ADHD-related hyperactivity is more constant and present in multiple areas of life, whereas anxiety-related restlessness is often situational.
Short-Term Memory Issues: People with ADHD may struggle with forgetfulness due to working memory deficits, while those with anxiety might forget things because their mind is preoccupied with worry.
Getting the Right Diagnosis
Understanding whether anxiety or ADHD is the primary challenge is key to finding the right solutions. If anxiety is fueling your difficulty concentrating, treating the anxiety through therapy, mindfulness, or lifestyle changes can significantly improve focus. If ADHD is the core issue, behavioral strategies, medication, and structured routines may be more effective.
If you’ve been struggling with focus, memory, or restlessness, it’s important to take a closer look at what’s really going on. Seeking guidance from a mental health professional can help you determine whether anxiety, ADHD, or both are at play—and most importantly, how to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Final Thoughts
Before assuming you have ADHD, consider whether underlying anxiety might be contributing to your symptoms. Addressing anxiety first may help improve focus, memory, and overall well-being. If you’re unsure, working with a professional can help provide the clarity needed to find the best path forward.