Have you ever found yourself constantly distracted, struggling to complete tasks, or feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities? You may wonder—Is it anxiety, ADHD, or both?
It’s a question we hear often at Behr Psychology, and it’s not always easy to answer without a professional evaluation. That’s because ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and anxiety disorders often present with similar symptoms in adults, making self-diagnosis tricky and sometimes misleading.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, organization, impulse control, and often emotional regulation. It’s not just a childhood issue—many adults live with ADHD, often undiagnosed. Common symptoms include:
Anxiety, on the other hand, is rooted in worry and fear. Adults with anxiety disorders may also have trouble concentrating, feel overwhelmed, or avoid tasks—but the why is different. Anxiety symptoms often include:
At first glance, these lists can look almost identical. But the underlying mechanisms behind the symptoms—and how we treat them—can vary significantly.
The confusion between ADHD and anxiety often stems from shared symptoms like:
In many cases, people actually have both ADHD and an anxiety disorder. Studies show that over 50% of adults with ADHD also have a co-occurring anxiety disorder.
Getting the diagnosis wrong doesn’t just affect your peace of mind—it can change your life trajectory. Treating anxiety when someone actually has undiagnosed ADHD can lead to partial or ineffective results. For example, a person with ADHD misdiagnosed with anxiety may be prescribed anxiety medication that doesn’t address their focus issues, and someone with anxiety misdiagnosed with ADHD may be given stimulants, which can worsen their anxious symptoms.
Self-assessments and TikTok videos can be informative, but they’re not a substitute for a licensed mental health evaluation. At Behr Psychology, our team specializes in identifying the subtle—but important—differences between ADHD and anxiety in adults.
We use a combination of evidence-based psychological assessments, in-depth clinical interviews, and personalized treatment planning, because our goal isn’t just to give you a label—it’s to help you understand yourself better and develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Living with untreated ADHD or anxiety—or both—can feel like trying to function in a fog. You may constantly ask yourself, Why can’t I get anything done? Why am I always overwhelmed? The good news? These challenges are treatable with the right support.
If you see yourself in this article, don’t wait to get answers. A proper diagnosis could be the missing piece that helps everything finally make sense.
At Behr Psychology, we specialize in helping adults untangle complex emotional and cognitive symptoms with warmth, precision, and expert care.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule your confidential consultation today.
