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Is Hyperactivity in Adult ADHD Linked to Anxiety or Stress? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, there is a significant connection between ADHD and anxiety, especially when it comes to how hyperactivity is present in children. While hyperactivity is a core ADHD symptom, it is often intensified by chronic worry or internal stress. For many adults with ADHD, the need to move, multitask, or “stay busy” can be a subconscious response to underlying anxiety, rather than just an overflow of energy. 

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How Stress and Anxiety Influence ADHD Symptoms 

In adults, hyperactivity often shifts from obvious physical movement to internal restlessness racing thoughts, a constant sense of urgency, and difficulty relaxing. This inner restlessness can be difficult to distinguish from anxiety itself. In fact, stress in ADHD adults frequently stems from the ongoing struggle to stay organised, meet deadlines, and cope with a world that expects consistent focus and self-regulation. 

Understanding the Overlap: ADHD and Anxiety 

This is how hyperactivity, stress, and anxiety often interact in adults with ADHD: 

Restlessness Triggered by Overthinking 

Adults may find themselves pacing, fidgeting, or jumping between tasks as their minds race with worries about performance, responsibilities, or what they have forgotten. This behaviour is often rooted in anxiety, not just hyperactivity causes the movement to become a coping mechanism for emotional tension. 

Avoidance Through Activity

Rather than sitting still and dealing with overwhelming thoughts, individuals may over-schedule or stay in constant motion. Staying constantly occupied can serve as a distraction from inner stress, creating a cycle in which restlessness conceals emotional overwhelm.  

Sleep Disruption and Fatigue

Anxious thoughts and hyperactivity can make it difficult to relax, leading to restless sleep and elevated stress levels the next day.  Poor rest worsens ADHD symptoms and leaves individuals more vulnerable to emotional dysregulation and anxiety spikes. Recognising the link between ADHD and anxiety can help adults take a more holistic approach to treatment addressing not just focus and impulsivity, but also emotional wellness. 

For personal consultations on stress in ADHD adults, visit providers like ADHD Certify. For a deeper dive into hyperactivity causes and the relationship between ADHD and anxiety, read our complete guide to Hyperactivity.

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Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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