Can ADHD symptoms mimic anxiety?

PostedNovember 19, 2025

UpdatedNovember 21, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety can look remarkably similar, especially in children and adults who experience restlessness, racing thoughts, or difficulty concentrating. These overlapping signs often make it hard to tell whether anxiety is driving attention problems, or if ADHD is the underlying cause. According to NICE guidance and NHS advice, a thorough assessment that explores when symptoms begin, how consistent they are across situations, and what triggers them is essential to make an accurate diagnosis.

Understanding the overlap between ADHD and anxiety

Both ADHD and anxiety can present with symptoms such as irritability, trouble focusing, and feeling “on edge.” Studies show that these similarities often lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses, particularly when clinicians do not explore the individual’s developmental and emotional history (RCPsych, 2025; BMJ Best Practice). While both conditions can cause significant distress, they arise from different mechanisms: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, whereas anxiety is a mental health condition linked to excessive worry and fear.

Overlapping symptoms

People with ADHD and those with anxiety may both experience restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and concentration problems. Emotional dysregulation and challenges with planning or impulse control are also common in both conditions (PubMed, 2025). However, in ADHD, these issues typically occur even when a person is not feeling anxious.

How clinicians tell them apart

NICE and NHS guidance recommend assessing whether symptoms are constant or triggered by specific worries or stressors (NHS UK). ADHD symptoms are usually evident from childhood and persist across most settings such as home, school, or work. In contrast, anxiety-related difficulties with focus often occur during periods of worry or tension. Clinicians use structured tools and reports from family, teachers, or employers to distinguish between the two (NICE NG87).

Managing overlapping symptoms

If symptoms overlap but only one condition is confirmed, treatment focuses on that primary disorder. For instance, managing ADHD effectively with stimulant or non-stimulant medication can often reduce anxiety linked to poor focus or overwhelm. When both conditions are present, combined approaches such as medication for ADHD and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety are recommended (NHS UK). Shared-care arrangements and regular follow-ups help ensure that treatment remains balanced and responsive to changes in mental health.

Key takeaway

ADHD and anxiety share many features, but the root causes differ. Understanding whether restlessness and concentration problems stem from chronic worry or from underlying attention difficulties is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Following NICE and NHS guidance ensures people receive the right support, improving confidence, focus, and overall wellbeing.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

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.