4 Overlapping Symptoms of ADHD and Anxiety

More than 65 million Americans — including 7.7 million children — have some form of mental health problem. Living with these issues is challenging enough, but when symptoms of different conditions overlap, it’s even more so.

This happens often with ADHD and anxiety. At Coded Healthcare & Behavioral Services in Bolingbrook, Illinois, we see many patients who experience both, making it harder to tell which condition is causing their struggles. 

Understanding the similarities helps you and your provider create a clearer treatment plan. Let’s look at four symptoms that commonly appear in both ADHD and anxiety.

1. Difficulty focusing and staying on task

One of the most recognizable signs of ADHD is trouble paying attention. People may start projects but rarely finish them, get easily distracted, or struggle to follow conversations. But anxiety can cause similar problems. When your mind is filled with constant what-ifs and worries, it becomes nearly impossible to concentrate.

For someone with ADHD, the brain struggles to regulate attention no matter the situation. When everyday anxiety is the cause, focus often improves if you remove the source of the worry. However, with clinical anxiety, resolving one worry typically just makes room for others to crowd in.

In daily life, the results look very similar, regardless of the cause: missed details, incomplete work, and frustration.

2. Restlessness and fidgeting

Many people picture kids bouncing in their chairs when they think of ADHD, and that restless energy is indeed a classic sign. But anxiety can also make your body feel on edge. You might tap your foot, shift in your seat, or pace the room because your nervous system is on high alert.

With ADHD, your brain craves constant stimulation, leading to movement. With anxiety, your body is preparing for danger, even if there isn’t any. Recognizing this overlap is crucial to achieving calmness, whether through therapy, mindfulness, or medication.

3. Trouble sleeping

Sleep is essential for mental health, but both ADHD and anxiety cause insomnia and interfere with getting enough rest. With ADHD, your brain often stays revved up at night, making it hard to wind down. With anxiety, racing thoughts and worries can keep you awake or wake you in the middle of the night.

In both cases, poor sleep makes symptoms worse the next day. Fatigue reduces focus, increases irritability, and heightens stress, creating a cycle that’s tough to break. That’s why addressing sleep issues is often one of the first steps in treatment.

4. Overthinking and mental clutter

People with ADHD sometimes describe their minds as being like cluttered desks —thoughts come quickly and pile up, but they often can’t find the ones they want. Anxiety creates a similar experience, but the clutter takes the form of repetitive worries and overanalyzing.

Both conditions lead to a feeling of mental exhaustion. You might second-guess yourself, have trouble making decisions, or feel like you’re always behind. Understanding whether this stems from distractibility (ADHD), worry (anxiety), or both helps us recommend the right strategies.

Why the ADHD/anxiety overlap matters

Because ADHD and anxiety share so many symptoms, one condition may get overlooked. For example, a student who can’t focus might assume it’s due to ADHD, when in reality, anxiety is the root problem. On the other hand, someone with lifelong ADHD may develop anxiety after years of struggling in school or work.

We employ a comprehensive approach that includes detailed interviews, behavioral assessments, and collaboration with families, teachers, and employers to obtain a complete picture. The goal is not just to put a name to your symptoms but to create a plan that improves your everyday life.

If you notice overlapping ADHD and anxiety symptoms in yourself or a loved one, a professional evaluation can help clarify whether you’re dealing with ADHD, anxiety, or both.

How treatment helps with ADHD and anxiety

ADHD and anxiety respond well to treatment. Depending on your needs, approaches may include:

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps challenge negative thought patterns. Mindfulness-based strategies can improve attention and reduce worry.

Medication

For ADHD, stimulant or non-stimulant medications may help regulate focus. For anxiety, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications can reduce excessive worry.

Lifestyle strategies

Regular exercise, structured routines, and healthy sleep habits improve both conditions.

Support systems

Having a team consisting of mental health professionals, family members, teachers, and/or workplace allies makes a big difference in managing ADHD and anxiety symptoms.

ADHD and anxiety often travel together, making it hard to untangle which condition is at play. But with the proper support, you can learn strategies that ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you’ve been struggling with focus, restlessness, sleep issues, or constant mental clutter, reaching out for help is a decisive step toward healing. Call our office or use our easy online tool to schedule a confidential consultation today.