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Will my doctor screen for anxiety or depression too? 

PostedOctober 16, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, your doctor may screen for anxiety or depression when assessing for ADHD comorbidities. This is because ADHD often exists alongside other mental health conditions. In particular, ADHD and anxiety or ADHD and depression screening are commonly part of the process, especially if you mention symptoms beyond focus and attention struggles. 

Doctors know that untreated ADHD comorbidities can affect everything from how symptoms present to how well treatment works. Emotional exhaustion, low self-esteem, chronic worry, and mood swings are just a few ways other conditions might show up. This is why it is important to raise any emotional or mental health challenges during your appointment. 

A good clinician will take a whole-person view, not just focus on one label. That means asking about your mood, energy, sleep, and stress levels, all of which help shape your care plan. 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD

How It Helps 

Spotting hidden challenges 

Including ADHD comorbidities like anxiety or depression ensures nothing important gets overlooked in your diagnosis or support plan. 

Creating a full picture 

Symptoms of ADHD and anxiety can sometimes overlap or mask each other. Discussing both helps your doctor separate them more clearly. 

Tailoring your treatment 

ADHD and depression screening allows for more targeted support, whether through therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. 

Bringing up emotional health isn’t a distraction from ADHD. It’s part of it. Being open gives you the best chance at meaningful, lasting care. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

Get a personalised assessment for ADHD
Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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.