Many people struggle to understand the relationship between anxiety and attention-related challenges. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can anxiety cause ADHD?”, you’re not alone. The symptoms of anxiety and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often overlap, making it difficult to tell where one condition ends and the other begins.
In this guide, we’ll explore how anxiety and ADHD are connected, how symptoms overlap, when anxiety may mimic ADHD, and when it’s important to seek professional help. We’ll also explain available treatment options and how mental health professionals can support long-term healing.
Anxiety disorders and ADHD are two of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety affects over 30% of adults at some point in their lives, while ADHD impacts both children and adults.
While they are separate diagnoses, anxiety and ADHD often coexist, and many symptoms can look similar.
Anxiety is characterized by persistent worry, fear, or nervousness that interferes with daily life. People may experience:
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Muscle tension
Rapid heartbeat
Trouble sleeping
Learn more about treatment options on our Anxiety Therapy page.
ADHD affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. Common symptoms include:
Difficulty focusing
Disorganization
Forgetfulness
Impulsivity
Restlessness
ADHD can persist into adulthood and often overlaps with anxiety symptoms.
Technically, anxiety does not cause ADHD, but chronic anxiety can mimic or worsen ADHD-like symptoms. When someone is constantly anxious, their brain is in a heightened state of alertness, making it difficult to focus, concentrate, or stay organized.
This overlap often leads people to wonder whether they have ADHD when anxiety is actually the root cause.
Racing thoughts can look like inattention
Worry can interrupt focus and memory
Sleep problems worsen concentration
Mental fatigue reduces task completion
Because of this overlap, a proper evaluation by a licensed mental health professional is essential.
Yes — and quite commonly. Research shows that up to 50% of people with ADHD also experience an anxiety disorder. When both conditions exist together, symptoms may feel more intense and disruptive.
This is why a comprehensive evaluation through professional psychiatric services is so important.
Anxiety activates the body’s stress response, releasing cortisol and adrenaline. When these hormones stay elevated, they can impair attention, memory, and executive functioning.
People may experience:
Difficulty completing tasks
Trouble staying organized
Racing or intrusive thoughts
Mental exhaustion
This overlap often leads people to ask, “Do I have ADHD or anxiety?” — a question best answered through professional assessment.
Children and teens are especially vulnerable to overlapping symptoms. Anxiety may show up as:
Trouble focusing in school
Avoidance of tasks
Irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Parents may assume ADHD, when anxiety is actually the root issue. Learn more about support options through Child and Teens Therapy.
A trained therapist or psychiatrist will evaluate:
Symptom history
Emotional patterns
Behavioral triggers
Family history
Environmental stressors
Through therapy sessions, assessments, and clinical observation, professionals determine whether anxiety, ADHD, or both are present.
You can explore treatment options through Counseling Services or Psychiatric Services.
Therapy is often the first-line treatment for anxiety-related symptoms. Evidence-based approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-informed therapy
Behavioral therapy
Learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
In some cases, medication may be recommended to manage symptoms. This is especially true when anxiety significantly interferes with daily functioning.
Healthy routines, sleep hygiene, and stress management play a major role in symptom reduction.
Therapy helps individuals:
Understand emotional triggers
Learn coping strategies
Build emotional regulation skills
Improve focus and organization
If anxiety is affecting your work, relationships, or daily life, professional help can make a lasting difference.
Explore available options at Therapy Services.
Consider seeking help if you:
Struggle to focus or complete tasks
Feel overwhelmed or anxious daily
Experience panic or constant worry
Notice symptoms affecting work or relationships
You don’t have to manage this alone. Support is available.
At Munster Behavioral Health, our licensed professionals provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals facing anxiety, ADHD symptoms, and related challenges.
We offer:
Individual Therapy
Anxiety Therapy
Trauma-Informed Care
Psychiatric Services
Family & Group Therapy
Locations in Munster and Merrillville, Indiana
Call Us Today: 219-356-2240 and Book an appointment now!
So, can anxiety cause ADHD? While anxiety doesn’t cause ADHD, it can closely mimic its symptoms and significantly impact daily functioning. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment can help you regain clarity, focus, and emotional balance.
If you or a loved one are struggling, professional support can make all the difference. Reach out today and take the first step toward better mental health.