Do you feel like you can’t focus? That might be ADHD. Are you feeling constantly on edge? It could be anxiety. It’s hard to know the difference between ADHD and anxiety, especially if you’re not familiar with either condition. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key differences between ADHD and anxiety, so that you can start to get a better idea of which one might be affecting your life. Only a professional can give you an accurate diagnosis, but knowing the signs and symptoms of each condition is a good place to start.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how you focus, control your impulses, and sit still. ADHD can make it hard to concentrate on tasks, complete schoolwork, or stick to a work schedule. It’s estimated that about 9.8% of children between the ages of four and 17 have ADHD, and it’s more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls. ADHD can also persist into adulthood, though the symptoms may change or lessen over time.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes feelings of worry, stress, and fear. These feelings can be so intense that they interfere with your day-to-day life. It’s estimated that about 31% of adults in the United States suffer from anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by a number of things, including genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences. Like ADHD, anxiety can also persist into adulthood.

What symptoms do ADHD and anxiety share?

There are some symptoms that ADHD and anxiety share, which can make it hard to know which one you have. For example, both ADHD and anxiety can cause problems with focus and concentration. ADHD can also make you feel restless or fidgety, while anxiety can make you feel tense or on edge. Both conditions can interfere with your sleep and can cause you to feel exhausted during the day.

What are the key differences between ADHD and anxiety?

There are several key differences between ADHD and anxiety. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects focus and impulse control, while anxiety is a mental health condition that causes feelings of worry, stress, and fear. While ADHD can occur alongside other conditions like OCD or depression, anxiety is often comorbid with depression.

Can ADHD be mistaken for anxiety?

Yes, ADHD can be mistaken for anxiety. Both conditions can cause problems with focus and concentration, and they can both make it hard to complete tasks or stick to a schedule. Also, anxiety is common among individuals with ADHD, so the overlap might make it even harder to discern one from the other.

How are you tested for ADHD?

If you think you might have ADHD, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. They can administer a variety of tests, including ADHD-specific questionnaires, to help make a diagnosis. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but it can also be diagnosed in adults.

Can ADHD be self diagnosed?

ADHD can’t be self-diagnosed. Only a professional can give you an ADHD diagnosis. However, there are online quizzes and TikToks that claim to be able to diagnose you, but these should not be relied upon. If you think you might have ADHD, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about it.

What are the consequences of ADHD?

If left untreated, ADHD can lead to a number of problems, including academic difficulties, job loss, and relationship problems. ADHD can also increase your risk for accidents and injuries. If you think you might have ADHD, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it so that you can get the treatment you need.

What are the consequences of anxiety?

Anxiety can lead to a number of problems, including difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, and avoiding things that make you anxious. Anxiety can also interfere with your work, school, and social life.

What is high functioning anxiety?

High functioning anxiety is a form of anxiety that causes symptoms like worry, stress, and fear, but doesn’t interfere with your day-to-day life. While high functioning anxiety isn’t as debilitating as other forms of anxiety, it can still cause problems in your personal and professional life.

If you’re not sure whether you have ADHD or anxiety, the best thing to do is to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you figure out which condition might be causing your symptoms and get you started on the road to treatment. There’s no shame in seeking help, and the sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start feeling better.

If you or someone you love is struggling and need help, find out if Lightfully is a good fit for you.