Clinically reviewed
ADHD and Anxiety
Direct answer
Can anxiety look like ADHD?
Yes. Anxiety can cause poor concentration, restlessness, forgetfulness and difficulty finishing tasks — symptoms that overlap with ADHD. The two also commonly occur together. A clinical assessment distinguishes them by looking at when difficulties started, whether they are present when you are not anxious, and the lifelong pattern since childhood.
- Anxiety can mimic ADHD symptoms
- They frequently occur together
- Onset and pattern help tell them apart
- Untreated ADHD can contribute to anxiety
- Both may need treatment
Why they look alike
Worry takes up attention, so anxious people can struggle to concentrate and remember. Restlessness and poor sleep occur in both. Equally, the daily consequences of untreated ADHD — missed deadlines, lateness, criticism — can lead to chronic anxiety.
How clinicians tell them apart
- ADHD symptoms are present from childhood; anxiety-related concentration problems often start later or fluctuate with stress
- ADHD difficulties persist even in calm, low-pressure situations
- Information from someone who knew you as a child is especially useful
- Both conditions can be diagnosed if criteria for each are met
Treatment when both are present
Clinicians usually consider which condition is causing the most impairment. Treating ADHD can reduce secondary anxiety for some people, while others need specific anxiety treatment such as CBT. Medication choice and titration take anxiety into account.
Book an ADHD Assessment
Structured clinical assessment and written outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Can ADHD medication make anxiety worse?
Stimulants can increase anxiety in some people, which is why titration starts low and is closely monitored.
Should I treat anxiety before an ADHD assessment?
Not necessarily. Tell the clinician about your anxiety; it is part of the assessment.
Related questions
Related ADHD Path services
Clinical authorship & review
Written by
Mark Thornton-JonesMPharm (Liverpool John Moores, 2010), Non-Medical Prescribing (Distinction), CPPE General Practice Pathway, ADHD diagnosis & management (2025) · Specialist ADHD Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber
GPhC 2076283
Clinically reviewed by
Shamir PatelMPharm, Independent Prescriber · CQC Registered Manager & Clinical Pharmacist
GPhC 2049338- Published
- 11 October 2026
- Last reviewed
- 11 October 2026
- Next review
- 11 October 2027
References
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2018, updated 2019. Source
- Kooij JJS et al. Updated European Consensus Statement on diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. European Psychiatry 2019;56:14–34. European Psychiatry (peer-reviewed), 2019. Source
- ADHD in adults. Royal College of Psychiatrists. Source