ADHD vs Anxiety in Adults: Why They’re Often Misdiagnosed

If you’ve ever wondered why your mind won’t slow down, or why focus feels out of reach, you’re not alone. 

Many adults struggle to tell the difference between ADHD vs anxiety, especially when the symptoms feel similar. What looks like distraction could be excessive worry. What feels like nervous energy could actually be a neurodevelopmental disorder like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

These are two distinct types of mental health conditions, but they frequently overlap. Without a proper diagnosis, it’s easy to end up treating the wrong issue and seeing little to no progress.

This blog post will walk you through the differences between these two conditions, then guide you toward the most appropriate support and treatment for your situation.

Stop guessing. Start understanding. Book your first appointment with MyWellbrook today.

Quick Answer: ADHD vs Anxiety

At a high level, ADHD vs anxiety comes down to what is driving your symptoms:

• ADHD (a neurodevelopmental disorder) is rooted in how the brain regulates attention, impulse control, and executive function.
• Anxiety disorders are driven by fear, excessive worry, and heightened stress responses.

The confusion happens because both can cause difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and sleep issues. These are classic overlapping symptoms that blur the lines between mental disorders.

What Is ADHD in Adults?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is often associated with children, but many adults live with it (sometimes without realizing). The CDC estimates that at least 15.5 million U.S. adults have had an ADHD diagnosis (1). 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity (2).

Common ADHD symptoms in adults include:

• Ongoing difficulty concentrating
• Disorganization and trouble following through
• Impulsivity in decisions or conversations
• Restlessness or feeling mentally “on” all the time

Because it’s a neurodevelopmental disorder, ADHD doesn’t come and go. It’s typically consistent over time, even if the way it shows up changes.

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health condition categories, affecting roughly 359 million people worldwide (per the World Health Organization) (3). 

Typically, anxiety disorders include conditions like:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder

Each presents differently, but they share a core feature: excessive worry that’s difficult to control.

Common anxiety symptoms include:

• Persistent worry or racing thoughts
• Physical symptoms like a rapid heart rate or muscle tension
• Panic attacks in some cases
• Sleep disruption
• Avoidance behaviors (avoiding situations that trigger anxiety)

Unlike ADHD, anxiety tends to fluctuate based on stressors or triggers. Symptoms often intensify during periods of heightened pressure, uncertainty, or change and ease when those stressors are reduced or resolved. 

Why ADHD and Anxiety Are So Often Misdiagnosed

The reality is that ADHD and anxiety frequently coexist. In fact, a 2025 study in Frontier Psychiatry found that these conditions can even feed into each other, and their coexistence often looks different in individuals (4). 

When these conditions overlap, it can complicate quite a bit. 

1. Overlapping Symptoms Create Confusion

Both ADHD and anxiety disorders can cause:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Sleep problems

These similar symptoms can make it hard for even experienced providers to distinguish between them without a deeper evaluation.

2. One Condition Can Mask the Other

In some cases, untreated ADHD can lead to chronic stress, which may exacerbate anxiety symptoms over time. On the flip side, anxiety can make someone appear distracted or unfocused, mimicking classic ADHD symptoms.

This is why both a professional diagnosis and treatment are so important.

3. Adults Often Present Differently

Many adults were never diagnosed as children. While anxious children may receive attention earlier, ADHD in adulthood can be overlooked, especially in those who are high-functioning.

4. Comorbidity Is Common

Research shows a strong connection between ADHD and anxiety, with many adults experiencing comorbid anxiety. In fact, studies estimate that 25% to 50% of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder, with some research placing that number closer to 47% in adult populations (5).

More broadly, up to 70% of adults with ADHD have at least one additional mental health condition, with anxiety disorders among the most common.

This high rate of overlap is a major reason why ADHD and anxiety are frequently misidentified or only partially treated, especially when symptoms present in similar ways.

Not sure which one fits you? That’s exactly what an evaluation is for. Connect with MyWellbrook.

ADHD vs Anxiety: Key Differences That Matter

Understanding ADHD vs anxiety comes down to identifying patterns:

ADHD tends to look like:

• Chronic disorganization
• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
• Distractibility across multiple situations

Anxiety disorders tend to look like:

• Persistent and excessive worry
• Fear-based thinking
• Avoidance behaviors tied to specific fears

The distinction is subtle but important, and it’s why an accurate diagnosis carries such weight.

Can You Have Both ADHD and Anxiety?

Yes, and many people do. ADHD and anxiety frequently appear together, and when they do, symptoms can intensify. For example:

• ADHD-related overwhelm can trigger anxiety symptoms
• Anxiety can worsen ADHD-related difficulty concentrating

This overlap makes a clear ADHD diagnosis more complex, especially without guidance from a qualified mental health professional.

Why a Proper Diagnosis Changes Everything

Treating the wrong condition can slow progress or make symptoms worse.

For example:

• Stimulant medications used for ADHD can sometimes increase anxiety if not carefully managed
• Medications used in treating anxiety, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, won’t address core ADHD challenges

That’s why a strategic , individualized treatment plan is necessary. A strong plan may include:

• Therapy customized to both ADHD and anxiety disorders
• Medication when appropriate (including stimulant medications or SSRIs)
• Practical strategies for managing ADHD and reducing anxiety triggers

When ADHD and anxiety are both present, care often needs to be layered and flexible. For some, that means starting with anxiety treatment to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed before fully treating ADHD. For others, improving focus and executive function can actually help ease anxiety symptoms over time. 

Ongoing check-ins with a mental health professional allow the plan to evolve as symptoms shift, helping you stay on track with a treatment plan that reflects how your mental health condition shows up in real life.

When to Talk to a Mental Health Professional

If you’ve been trying to figure out ADHD vs anxiety on your own, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional. This is especially true if:

• You’re dealing with ongoing difficulty concentrating
• Excessive worry is interfering with daily life
• You notice patterns of avoidance behaviors
• Your symptoms don’t improve with basic stress management

A comprehensive evaluation looks at your history, symptom patterns, and how they show up across your life, rather than just a quick checklist.

Get Clarity on Your Path Through MyWellbrook 

When symptoms start to blur together, guessing isn’t helpful, and it’s not something you have to do on your own. 

At MyWellbrook Health Psychiatry, our focus is on helping you clearly understand whether you’re dealing with ADHD, anxiety disorders, or both.  

A licensed mental health professional will take the time to look at how your ADHD and anxiety symptoms show up across your day-to-day life in your focus, stress levels, sleep, and patterns that haven’t made sense until now. 

From there, your diagnosis and care will be built around you. That may include support for treating ADHD, guidance on treating anxiety, or a combined treatment plan for comorbid anxiety and ADHD. When appropriate, options like therapy, practical coping strategies, and medications may be considered based on your needs.

At MyWellbrook, our appointments are designed to be accessible and timely, with telehealth options available so you can connect with care without long delays.

Get Started Now 

Let us help you move from second-guessing your mental health to understanding it. That way, you can start feeling like yourself again.

Book your first appointment today.

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FAQs About ADHD vs Anxiety Disorders 

What is the main difference between ADHD and anxiety?

The core difference in adhd vs anxiety is the underlying cause. ADHD affects attention regulation and executive function, while anxiety disorders are driven by fear and excessive worry.

Can anxiety look like ADHD?

Yes. Anxiety symptoms like racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating can mimic ADHD, which is why misdiagnosis is common.

Can ADHD cause anxiety?

It can. Ongoing challenges with focus and organization may exacerbate anxiety symptoms, especially in high-pressure environments.

How are ADHD and anxiety treated differently?

Treating ADHD often involves behavioral strategies and stimulant medications, while treating anxiety may include therapy and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Why is an accurate diagnosis important?

Without an accurate diagnosis, treatment may not address the root issue. A personalized treatment plan helps target the right condition or both, if ADHD and anxiety coexist.

References

1. cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7340a1.htm
2. psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
3. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders
4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12179154/
5. frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1597559/full