ADHD and Anxiety: What's the Connection?
Date: Jan-18-2017 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety disorders frequently occur together. These conditions can simply exist simultaneously, or ADHD may contribute to the development of the anxiety disorder.
Sometimes, symptoms can be difficult to tell apart from one another. Learning about the differences between the two disorders is important in the management and treatment of both.
Contents of this article:
The connection between ADHD and anxiety
Signs and symptoms of co-existing anxiety and ADHD
Treating both anxiety and ADHD
The connection between ADHD and anxiety
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) usually begins during childhood, and can continue to adulthood in some people. This developmental disorder is typically associated with symptoms such as:
Typical symptoms of ADHD include restlessness and a short attention span.
A short attention span
Fidgeting
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
Restlessness
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 50 percent of American adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. The National Resource Centre on ADHD estimate that up to 30 percent of children with the condition experience anxiety.
What is an anxiety disorder?
A person with an anxiety disorder is likely to experience long-lasting feelings of nervousness, fear, and worry. Although occasional anxiety is normal, those with anxiety disorders experience anxiety most, or all, of the time.
They may have difficulty identifying and controlling their specific fears and worries. These feelings tend to be out of proportion to the situation, and can interfere with people's daily lives and relationships with others.
There are many types of anxiety disorders. These types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
The connection
Although anxiety and ADHD may occur together, ADHD is not an anxiety disorder.
Sometimes, anxiety can occur independently of ADHD. Other times, it can be as a result of living with ADHD.
A person who has ADHD and misses a work deadline or forgets to study for an important exam can become stressed and worried. Even the fear of forgetting to do such important tasks may cause them anxiety.
If these feelings and situations continue, which they do for many people with ADHD, they can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Furthermore, the medications used to treat ADHD, especially stimulant medications such as amphetamines, can cause symptoms of anxiety. Genetics may also play a role.
Signs and symptoms of co-existing anxiety and ADHD
It can be difficult to differentiate between anxiety and ADHD as the two conditions can appear similar. Some signs and symptoms that are common to both conditions include:
Having difficulties socializing may be a symptom of both anxiety and ADHD.
Difficulty socializing
Fidgeting
Inattentiveness
Working slowly or failing to complete work on time
According to Understood, additional signs of anxiety in children with ADHD can include:
Being irritable or argumentative
Causing trouble in class
Playing video games or watching TV most of the time
Telling lies about schoolwork or other responsibilities that haven't been completed
Withdrawing from people
How to tell the difference
Although there are many commonalities, there are some differences between the two conditions. Anxiety is primarily a disorder of nervousness, worry, and fear, while ADHD is characterized by a lack of attention and focus.
People with anxiety can also display compulsive or perfectionist behaviors, which aren't typically seen in those with ADHD.
Although friends and family may recognize the symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, or both, a health professional should carry out a full evaluation before a diagnosis is made.
Treating both anxiety and ADHD
When anxiety and ADHD occur together, they can make daily activities more difficult. A person with ADHD who also has anxiety may find concentrating on tasks even more challenging. Therefore, it is very important to get proper treatment to ensure a better quality of life.
Treatment plans will vary based on the individual and the situation. Some people may benefit from having both conditions treated simultaneously.
Other times, treating just one of the conditions may be the priority. This may be appropriate if ADHD is the cause of the anxiety, as treating the ADHD may reduce the anxiety.
There are many different treatment options available to those with both ADHD and anxiety.
Medication
Prescription medications are most commonly used in treating ADHD. However, if stimulant medications are causing symptoms of anxiety, other nonstimulant medications may be prescribed. Anti-anxiety medications may also be considered.
If taking several medications is not recommended, or if the person does not wish to take them, a doctor may prescribe medication for one of the disorders and treat the other with therapeutic or lifestyle interventions.
Therapy and relaxation techniques
The anxiety related to ADHD may be better managed with:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This short-term intervention helps people to change their thinking patterns in order to positively influence their behavior. CBT is widely used for anxiety disorders, and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of GAD and many other conditions.
Relaxation techniques: Practicing techniques, such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and deep-breathing exercises can help treat stress and anxiety by slowing the heart rate, reducing muscle tension, and boosting concentration and mood.
Lifestyle changes
Regular exercise and healthy eating are lifestyle factors that may help those with ADHD and anxiety.
In addition to taking medication, considering therapy, and practicing relaxation techniques, several lifestyle factors can help those with anxiety related to ADHD.
Sleep: Tiredness can worsen feelings of anxiety. At least one study has indicated that anxiety in children with ADHD is linked with sleep disturbances. People should aim to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Those who struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep should discuss the issue with their doctor.
Exercise: Regular exercise can reduce anxiety in a number of ways, including through the release of brain chemicals that boost mood.
Schedule tasks: Keeping a list of tasks and activities that need to be completed, and setting realistic timeframes for each, can ensure goals are remembered and achieved. This can help reduce anxiety levels.
Nutrition: Eating healthful and balanced meals and staying hydrated can help manage anxiety. Reducing the intake of caffeine and alcohol may also be useful, as both of these interfere with sleeping patterns.
Tips for caregivers
Caregivers should:
Try to give the doctor as much information as possible on the symptoms experienced by the person in their care, even those that do not seem related to ADHD or anxiety. This will help the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan.
Be patient. Anxiety can cause people to become afraid to try new things, including new treatments for ADHD or the anxiety itself. Feeling anxious can also add to the lack of focus and forgetfulness experienced by those with ADHD.
Be supportive. Being critical or negative will only add to the stress and worry experienced by those with ADHD and anxiety.
Control parental anxiety. Children learn to respond to situations based on their parents' reactions. Parents of children with ADHD who remain calm and positive will influence their children to do the same in stressful situations.
Consider parenting skills training. Parents can learn new ways of understanding and responding to children with ADHD.
Consider family therapy. This may be useful for parents and siblings who need additional support in dealing with the challenges of living with someone with ADHD.
Written by Jayne Leonard
Courtesy: Medical News Today
Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical
advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.