What role does anxiety play in ADHD-related imposter syndrome? 

Anxiety is one of the most common co-occurring difficulties in ADHD, and it plays a major role in strengthening imposter syndrome. According to NHS guidance, around a third to half of people with ADHD also experience persistent worry, restlessness, or fear of judgement, all of which can shape how they evaluate their abilities and successes (NHS). These patterns often combine with ADHD symptoms in ways that make imposter thoughts stronger and harder to challenge. 

How anxiety amplifies imposter feelings in ADHD 

Anxiety increases sensitivity to scrutiny, rejection, and the risk of “getting things wrong.” The Royal College of Psychiatrists notes that adults with ADHD are more likely to worry about how they are perceived, doubt positive feedback, and focus on potential mistakes rather than actual strengths (RCPsych). This makes it easier to believe that achievements are accidental or undeserved; a core element of imposter syndrome. 

Research also shows that anxiety encourages self-monitoring and vigilance, which can magnify the fear of being “found out” as incompetent, even when someone is performing well (NIH study). 

Rumination, catastrophising, and perfectionism 

Anxiety often brings intrusive thinking patterns, such as replaying mistakes or imagining worst-case outcomes. These patterns are more common in people with ADHD who already face inconsistent performance or uncertainty caused by distractibility, forgetfulness, or emotional dysregulation. Peer-reviewed studies link rumination, catastrophising, and perfectionism directly with imposter feelings, especially when people focus on what went wrong rather than what went well (PubMed). 

This internal cycle often means success is dismissed, while errors carry far more emotional weight. 

How anxiety affects performance and self-belief 

Anxiety also affects attention, working memory, and emotional regulation. The Mayo Clinic notes that anxiety can make focus harder and increase self-doubt, adding extra pressure on people who already struggle with executive-function challenges in ADHD (Mayo Clinic). When performance becomes less predictable under stress, many people interpret this as evidence they’re not capable or not “good enough.” 

This makes it harder to internalise success and easier to believe it happened due to luck or external help. 

Masking and overcompensation 

Anxiety can drive people with ADHD to mask symptoms, over-prepare, or overwork to avoid criticism or exposure. While these strategies may reduce short-term worry, they often reinforce imposter beliefs by suggesting that success only occurs because of extra effort rather than genuine ability. Clinical guidance notes that this pattern is particularly common in socially evaluative environments, such as school, university, or work. 

A takeaway 

Anxiety doesn’t create imposter syndrome on its own, but it significantly amplifies it in ADHD by increasing worry, self-doubt, and fear of negative judgement. Understanding how these conditions interact can help people recognise that their doubts are a reflection of anxiety, not a reflection of their true capability. With the right support, both anxiety and imposter feelings can become easier to manage.