Ever wondered if your restlessness or trouble focusing is ADHD or anxiety? You're not alone. These two conditions often overlap in symptoms but differ in cause and treatment. Here are five quick ways to tell them apart:
Focus vs. Worry: ADHD causes distractibility due to boredom or overstimulation. Anxiety disrupts focus because the mind is preoccupied with fear or overthinking.
Time Blindness vs. Overplanning: People with ADHD often lose track... moreADHD or Anxiety? 5 Quick Ways to Tell Them Apart
Ever wondered if your restlessness or trouble focusing is ADHD or anxiety? You're not alone. These two conditions often overlap in symptoms but differ in cause and treatment. Here are five quick ways to tell them apart:
Focus vs. Worry: ADHD causes distractibility due to boredom or overstimulation. Anxiety disrupts focus because the mind is preoccupied with fear or overthinking.
Time Blindness vs. Overplanning: People with ADHD often lose track of time. Anxious individuals tend to over-anticipate and over-plan due to fear of what might go wrong.
Impulsivity vs. Cautiousness: ADHD may drive impulsive actions. Anxiety leads to overthinking before acting.
Physical Energy vs. Physical Tension: ADHD can show up as high energy or hyperactivity. Anxiety may appear as muscle tightness, headaches, or fatigue.
Reaction to Tasks: ADHD makes tasks feel boring and hard to start. Anxiety makes them feel overwhelming and perfection-driven.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Rafael Achacoso, MSN, PMHNP-BC, who specializes in ADHD, anxiety, and depression, explains that accurate diagnosis is key. “Many patients come in thinking they have one, but a closer look often reveals both, or something else entirely.”
Understanding the difference is the first step to feeling better. Don’t self-diagnose—seek help, and take your mental health seriously.
