Rebecca
Loan
untangleADHD
Psychotherapist & Counsellor
ADHD AND ANXIETY
What is the difference between ADHD and anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety can share overlapping symptoms, which is why many adults struggle to tell them apart.
In general:
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ADHD is primarily linked to differences in attention, regulation, organisation and executive functioning.
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Anxiety is more closely linked to fear, worry, tension and anticipation of negative outcomes.
However, many adults experience both together, and one can sometimes develop alongside the other. This overlap can make it difficult to recognise what is really going on beneath the surface.
Many adults wonder whether they are experiencing anxiety, ADHD, or a combination of both.
The difficulty is that ADHD and anxiety can overlap in ways that feel confusing - particularly in adults who have spent years masking, overcompensating, overthinking, or feeling overwhelmed.
Understanding the difference can be an important first step toward getting the right support.
ADHD and anxiety can sometimes look similar
Many adults recognise themselves in both ADHD and anxiety traits, which can make it difficult to untangle what may be contributing to everyday struggles.
Some experiences may overlap, while others are more closely linked to ADHD or anxiety specifically. (This diagram is not a diagnosis)
ADHD may look like:
ADHD in adults is not just about attention or hyperactivity. It can affect organisation, emotional regulation, motivation and everyday functioning in many different ways.
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Difficulty regulating attention
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Losing track of time
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Mental clutter or racing thoughts
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Task paralysis or procrastination
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Emotional dysregulation
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Forgetfulness or disorganisation
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Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
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Feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities
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Hyperfocusing on some tasks while avoiding others
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Struggling to switch off mentally
Anxiety may look like:
Anxiety is often linked to fear, worry, tension and anticipation of negative outcomes. It can affect both the mind and body, and may become overwhelming over time.
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Persistent worry or fear
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Overthinking worst-case scenarios
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Physical tension or restlessness
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Panic or dread
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Difficulty relaxing
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Avoidance driven by fear
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Constant anticipation that something may go wrong
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Feeling on edge or emotionally exhausted
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Difficulty switching off mentally
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Fear of making mistakes or getting things wrong
ADHD and anxiety together may include:
Many adults experience both ADHD and anxiety together, which can make patterns feel confusing, exhausting and difficult to untangle.
Sometimes anxiety develops alongside ADHD after years of overwhelm, criticism, stress or trying to keep up with everyday demands.
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Overwhelm
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Burnout
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Racing thoughts
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Emotional exhaustion
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Difficulty switching off
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Low self-esteem
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Feeling constantly “behind”
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Perfectionism and procrastination
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Mental fatigue
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Feeling stuck in cycles of stress and avoidance
Why ADHD and anxiety are often confused
Many adults with ADHD develop anxiety over time - particularly after years of feeling misunderstood, criticised, overwhelmed, or unable to explain why everyday life feels harder than it seems to for other people.
For some people, anxiety exists separately from ADHD.
For others, anxiety develops around the experience of trying to manage ADHD symptoms, relationships, responsibilities and expectations.
Over time, the two can become deeply intertwined.
This is why understanding the patterns beneath the symptoms can be so important.
ADHD and anxiety support
If you’re struggling to untangle whether ADHD, anxiety, or both may be contributing to your experiences, support is available.
I offer ADHD-informed counselling for adults navigating overwhelm, anxiety, relationships and emotional patterns - both online for the UK and International Adults and in person or online in Singapore.