How can ADHD symptoms overlap with other disorders?

PostedAugust 28, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD with symptom overlap is a common challenge in diagnosing ADHD, as many of its symptoms are shared by other mental health and developmental disorders. This can lead to symptom confusion and make accurate diagnosis more difficult. It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to differentiate ADHD from other conditions to provide the right treatment and support.

Understanding ADHD Symptom Overlap

When it comes to ADHD, several coexisting conditions can mimic or contribute to similar behaviours, leading to diagnostic challenges. Symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are central to ADHD, but these characteristics are also present in other conditions. Here are a few conditions that can overlap with ADHD:

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety and ADHD share common symptoms, such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. People with anxiety may become distracted or overly concerned about tasks, which can appear like ADHD-related inattention.

Depression

Depression can also present symptoms that overlap with ADHD, including fatigue, difficulty focusing, and lack of motivation. These symptoms might be misinterpreted as ADHD, especially when the mood disorder causes the person to struggle with concentration and task completion.

Learning Disabilities

Children with learning disabilities may exhibit difficulties in attention, memory, and problem-solving, which can resemble ADHD. It is essential to assess whether the focus issues are related to a learning disorder or an underlying ADHD condition.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep problems, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, can cause daytime sleepiness and poor concentration, mimicking ADHD symptoms. Inadequate sleep can also lead to behavioural issues like irritability and impulsivity, which overlap with ADHD.

In conclusion, ADHD with symptom overlap with other disorders makes accurate diagnosis challenging. Proper evaluation is key to distinguishing ADHD from coexisting conditions. A thorough assessment ensures individuals receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Differential Diagnosis of ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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.