You’re overwhelmed, distracted, and your brain won’t slow down. Is it ADHD? Or is it anxiety? Or both?
It’s not always easy to tell the difference. ADHD and anxiety often overlap, and sometimes they show up together. But knowing which one you’re dealing with can make a big difference in how you manage it.
Why They Get Confused
ADHD and anxiety can feel similar on the surface. Both can cause:
• Trouble focusing
• Restlessness
• Overthinking
• Poor sleep
• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
But what’s happening underneath is very different.
ADHD Comes From a Brain That Struggles to Regulate Attention
ADHD is about how your brain processes and filters information. If you have ADHD, you might struggle with:
• Starting tasks even if you want to do them
• Jumping between thoughts or tabs constantly
• Zoning out during conversations
• Forgetting things often
• Hyperfocusing on the wrong thing at the wrong time
• Getting bored easily
• Losing track of time without realizing it
The key thing with ADHD is inconsistent attention. Your focus isn’t weak, it’s unpredictable.
Anxiety Comes From a Brain That’s Constantly on Alert
Anxiety is rooted in fear, worry, or panic. If you’re dealing with anxiety, you might notice:
• Constant thoughts about what could go wrong
• Tension in your body
• Trouble relaxing even when nothing is going on
• Avoiding things that make you nervous
• Overplanning or double-checking everything
• Feeling like you’re on edge all the time
Anxiety tends to focus on what ifs. You’re trying to prepare for something bad, even if it never happens.
What It Looks Like in Daily Life
Here’s a quick side-by-side to help clarify:
Can You Have Both ADHD and Anxiety
Yes. And a lot of people do.
In fact, anxiety can develop because of untreated ADHD. When your life feels out of control from missed deadlines, forgotten things, or relationship issues, it makes sense that you’d start feeling anxious about it.
Other times, they exist separately and just happen to overlap. A mental health professional can help you figure out which is which or if both are in the mix.
Why It Matters
Getting clarity helps you choose the right tools.
• ADHD might respond best to structure, body doubling, or stimulant meds
• Anxiety might need grounding techniques, therapy, or calming routines
• Both can improve with mindfulness, support, and understanding your patterns
The right diagnosis leads to the right kind of help.
Final Thoughts
ADHD and anxiety aren’t the same, but they can feel tangled together. If you’re not sure which one is showing up in your life, that’s okay. You’re not alone in this.
Getting curious about your mind is the first step. From there, you can find tools, support, and strategies that actually work for how your brain operates.
