Does ADHD Get Misdiagnosed When It’s Actually Anxiety?

PostedOctober 8, 2025

UpdatedOctober 8, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Yes, ADHD misdiagnoses and anxiety disorder is a common issue, as the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety disorders can often overlap, leading to confusion in diagnosis. Both conditions can cause difficulties with concentration, restlessness, and emotional regulation, which can make it hard to differentiate between the two without a thorough assessment.

Anxiety disorders can present with symptoms that mimic those of ADHD, such as trouble focusing, feeling overwhelmed, and difficulty completing tasks. For example, a person with anxiety might struggle with concentration due to constant worrying, while someone with ADHD may find it difficult to focus because of impulsivity or distractibility. Without a proper differential diagnosis, it’s easy to mistakenly label one condition when it’s actually the other.

Why Anxiety Can Be Mistaken for ADHD

Here’s why ADHD misdiagnoses and anxiety disorder can be mistaken:

Overlapping symptoms

Both conditions share symptoms like inattention, restlessness, and difficulty staying organised.

Comorbidities

ADHD and anxiety frequently occur together, which makes distinguishing between the two even more challenging.

Focus on behaviour

Without assessing the root causes of focus difficulties (such as anxiety-related worry vs ADHD-related distractibility), it’s easy to mislabel the condition.

In conclusion, to ensure an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive evaluation that considers both ADHD and anxiety is essential. Clinicians must assess the full spectrum of symptoms and consider the potential for multiple co-occurring conditions. Proper evaluation helps clarify whether anxiety or ADHD or both are at play.

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 Overdiagnosis vs. Underdiagnosis in 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.