ADHD and anxiety can sometimes look surprisingly similar. Both can affect concentration, sleep, memory, organisation and emotional wellbeing. This can make it difficult to know what is actually causing the problem.
How anxiety can affect concentration
When someone is anxious, their attention may be dominated by worry. They may find it difficult to focus on conversations, read for long periods, remember information, make decisions or complete tasks.
Their mind may feel constantly busy.
How ADHD can affect concentration
In ADHD, attention difficulties are usually part of a broader lifelong pattern. Someone may describe being easily distracted, losing belongings, forgetting appointments, difficulty completing tasks, poor time awareness, procrastination or impulsivity.
These difficulties often begin much earlier in life.
Can you have both?
Yes. ADHD and anxiety can occur together.
In some people, years of struggling with deadlines, organisation or forgetfulness may also contribute to anxiety. For example, someone who frequently forgets appointments may start checking their diary repeatedly because they are worried about making another mistake.
Why childhood history matters
When trying to understand whether ADHD is present, clinicians usually explore childhood history.
If attention and organisation difficulties were present long before anxiety developed, this may be clinically relevant.
Assessment should consider the whole picture
A good assessment should explore current symptoms, childhood history, anxiety, mood, sleep, physical health, trauma, other neurodevelopmental conditions and the impact symptoms have on everyday life.
Diagnosis should never be based on a single symptom.
Common questions
Important: this article is for general information and is not a substitute for an individual medical assessment. Symptoms such as poor concentration, forgetfulness or restlessness can have several causes.
