Why ADHD and Anxiety Can Look Alike—and How to Approach Medication Management Wisely

Understanding the Overlap Between ADHD and Anxiety

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you have ADHD or anxiety—or maybe both—you’re not alone. These two common mental health conditions often present with overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to tell them apart without a proper psychiatric evaluation.

Both ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and anxiety disorders can involve restlessness, poor focus, irritability, and sleep difficulties. However, understanding the root cause of these symptoms is essential to creating a successful medication management plan that truly supports your brain and your lifestyle.

How ADHD and Anxiety Can Look Alike

At first glance, ADHD and anxiety may seem indistinguishable. Both conditions can show up as:

• Trouble concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Racing thoughts
• Poor task completion
• Physical restlessness
• Feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities

However, the cause of these symptoms differs. With ADHD, the core issue is neurological: the brain struggles to regulate attention, motivation, and impulse control. With anxiety, the brain is often on high alert due to worry or fear—making it hard to focus on anything else.

The Risk of Misdiagnosis

Because the symptoms can look so similar, it’s not uncommon for someone to be misdiagnosed with anxiety when they actually have ADHD, or vice versa. Even more common is the scenario where someone has both ADHD and an anxiety disorder. According to research, nearly 50% of people with ADHD also have a co-occurring anxiety condition.

This is why a comprehensive psychiatric assessment is critical before starting medication.

Best Approach to ADHD and Anxiety Medication Management

When treating ADHD and anxiety—especially together—it’s essential to go slow and take a personalized approach. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Start with Anxiety Treatment First (if it’s dominant)

If anxiety symptoms are severe, it’s often best to stabilize those symptoms before introducing a stimulant. That’s because stimulant medications (like Adderall, Vyvanse, or Concerta) can sometimes increase anxiety in sensitive individuals.

Treatment may include:

• SSRIs (like Zoloft or Lexapro)
• Therapy (especially CBT)
• Lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise, improved sleep, mindfulness)

2. Evaluate ADHD Symptoms Once Anxiety Is Managed

Once anxiety is stabilized, you and your provider can reassess whether ADHD-specific treatment is necessary. If focus, impulsivity, and time-blindness still persist, that’s a strong indicator that ADHD treatment is needed.

3. Choose Medications Strategically

If both ADHD and anxiety are present, your provider may start with:

• Non-stimulants for ADHD (e.g., Strattera, Wellbutrin)
• Low-dose stimulants paired with anxiety management strategies
• Long-acting formulations to reduce peaks and crashes

Key Takeaways for Managing ADHD and Anxiety

• ADHD and anxiety share many symptoms but stem from different root causes
• Professional diagnosis is critical to avoid mismanagement
• Medication should be introduced thoughtfully, with close monitoring
• Treating anxiety first is often the safest path if both conditions exist
• Personalized care—not one-size-fits-all—is the key to success

Are You Struggling with Focus or Constant Worry?

At Early Glow Health, we specialize in ADHD evaluations and personalized medication management for adults and teens. Our licensed psychiatric providers take a holistic approach that includes therapy coordination, lifestyle guidance, and thoughtful medication planning.

Schedule your psychiatric consultation today or call us to learn more.