Anti anxiety meds.You’ve been researching your symptoms online, and some sites talk about anxiety while others make you think you may have ADHD. You’re not sure where to go from here because, as you understand it, they are distinct disorders. Is it possible that they can have overlapping symptoms? Is it possible to discuss the symptoms of both conditions at once during a visit to a healthcare provider?
Can I Have Both ADHD and Anxiety at The Same Time?
Yes, you could have ADHD and anxiety [9*]
or other mental health conditions together. The fancy medical term for this is comorbid disorders. This is especially true if a person with ADHD struggles with daily functioning, and relationships at work and home are affected. It makes sense that because of such additional stress, they are likely to experience anxiety or depression.
In fact, ADHD and anxiety are among the most common comorbid psychiatric disorders, with 1 in 4 [10*]
ADHD patients also having anxiety, although it may not present typically. For example, caution because of worry may mask hyperactivity and cause them to have more sleep issues.
How to Tell ADHD and Anxiety Apart
Because anxiety can be mistaken for ADHD and vice versa, only a specialist healthcare professional can make a proper diagnosis. They will take a thorough clinical history, evaluate your symptoms, and, if required, suggest physical examination to exclude other physical conditions such as thyroid, brain, heart, or lung issues. You can start with our free ADHD test to have a more detailed and informed discussion with an ADHD specialist.
Why It’s Important to Differentiate Between ADHD And Anxiety
It is crucial to tell the difference between ADHD and anxiety because they require different approaches to medication management and other supportive interventions. Inappropriate treatment can cause serious clinical implications.
In particular, stimulant ADHD medications may not be suitable in the following situations:
ADHD with comorbid anxiety or
an incorrect ADHD diagnosis in someone actually having an anxiety disorder.In such cases, stimulants may exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety. Not to mention that they can cause anxiety even in correctly diagnosed patients with ADHD, as it is a known side effect.
When to Speak With a Doctor
Both ADHD and anxiety disorders can significantly disrupt your life. As you’ve learned, it is always better to see a healthcare professional sooner rather than later; your goal should be to get symptoms under control before this happens.Anti anxiety meds
That said, prioritize seeing a clinician for a professional evaluation in the following circumstances:
- If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Self-help techniques and a support network are not helping
- You are questioning your current diagnosis
- You are on medication, but you are feeling worse or not improving
- A family member, friend, coach, or therapist suggests it
