It’s one of the most common questions people bring to therapy: “Do I have anxiety, ADHD, or both?”
The truth is, these two conditions often overlap, and the symptoms can look almost identical on the surface. Trouble concentrating, restlessness, forgetfulness, procrastination, and emotional overwhelm can show up in both.
Understanding the difference really matters. The root causes are not the same, which means the kind of treatment, intervention, and support a person needs can look very different depending on what’s going on underneath.
TL;DR (Quick Summary)
Anxiety and ADHD share many symptoms such as difficulty focusing, restlessness, and feeling easily overwhelmed, but the reasons behind those experiences are different. ADHD is connected to how the brain manages attention and impulse control, while anxiety comes from worry, fear, and an overstimulated nervous system. Getting to the root of what’s happening helps ensure the right kind of support and relief.
At Darcy Bailey & Associates Counselling in Langley, BC, our therapists often work with teens and adults who are trying to figure out what’s really behind their struggles with focus, stress, and overwhelm. With clarity comes calm, confidence, and the ability to manage both mind and body more effectively.
Why Anxiety and ADHD Look So Similar
Anxiety and ADHD both affect attention and regulation, but for different reasons.
- Anxiety pulls focus inward. Thoughts race, worries spiral, and it becomes hard to pay attention to anything else.
ADHD scatters attention outward. The mind jumps quickly between ideas, chasing stimulation while struggling to stay organized or follow through.
Both can lead to forgetfulness, restlessness, and exhaustion. Both can make someone feel like they are constantly “failing to keep up.”
Therapist insight: Sometimes, one drives the other. For example, anxiety can develop after years of feeling inadequate because of untreated ADHD, or ADHD-like overwhelm can appear when anxiety keeps the brain in constant overdrive.
Key Differences Between Anxiety and ADHD
| Symptom Area | Anxiety | ADHD |
| Thoughts | Focused on “what if” and future worries | Impulsive and focused on “what now” |
| Focus | Hyperfocused on fears, hard to relax | Easily distracted, difficult to sustain attention |
| Energy | Tense, keyed-up, hard to rest | Fidgety, bored easily, seeks stimulation |
| Organization | Overplans or overthinks | Forgets steps or loses track |
| Emotion | Fear-based and self-critical | Quick frustration or impatience |
In daily life, these patterns can blur together.
A teen might seem inattentive in class because they are anxious about making mistakes.
An adult might overthink decisions because ADHD makes organizing tasks feel overwhelming.
Can You Have Both Anxiety and ADHD?
Yes, and it’s more common than many people realize. Studies show that a large number of individuals with ADHD also experience anxiety.
This mix can be frustrating. Anxiety makes you overthink what ADHD makes you forget. It can feel like being both too much in your head and not in control of it.
In therapy, we look at both. The goal is to understand how one affects the other and to create strategies that help regulate both the mind and the nervous system.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
Because the symptoms overlap, it’s easy for people to get misdiagnosed or treated for the wrong thing.
Someone with anxiety might be prescribed ADHD medication that increases restlessness. Someone with ADHD might receive anxiety treatment but still struggle to focus or follow through.
A good assessment looks at history, emotional triggers, and daily patterns, not just a list of symptoms.
At Darcy Bailey & Associates Counselling, our therapists work with clients to clarify what’s really happening. When needed, we guide people to other professionals such as physicians or psychologists for a full diagnostic assessment. The goal is to build understanding and practical strategies that match the way your brain works.
Tips to Manage Overlapping Symptoms
Even before you have a formal diagnosis, there are simple things you can do to bring more calm and clarity.
Notice your triggers. Keep a small journal or note in your phone. When do you lose focus or feel overwhelmed? Is it after long stretches of work, emotional conversations, or transitions between tasks? Patterns reveal what overstimulates or drains you, which helps you plan supports around those moments.
Use body awareness. When you notice tension, stop for a moment and take one slow breath. Inhale for four counts and exhale for four. This kind of breathing calms the body’s alarm system and signals safety to your brain. Even two minutes of focused breathing can help steady both anxiety and attention.
Simplify your environment. Most people know this but few actually do it. Reducing clutter, digital or physical, can feel uncomfortable at first, but it makes a big difference. A calmer space equals a calmer mind.
Chunk tasks. Break big projects into smaller steps that take about ten or fifteen minutes each. Use a timer, a checklist, or a visual reminder so you can see your progress and reduce overwhelm.
Move your body. Movement resets the nervous system. Try walking, stretching, or a few gentle yoga poses. Even bouncing lightly on the balls of your feet for half a minute can release tension and bring focus back.
Reach out for support. The right therapist can help you understand what’s really happening and build tools that work for you. Clarity itself can bring a sense of peace.
FAQ: Common Questions
1. Can anxiety cause ADHD-like symptoms?
Yes. Anxiety can make focus and memory worse, especially when your mind is preoccupied with worry. But unlike ADHD, these symptoms usually improve once anxiety is treated.
2. Can someone have both anxiety and ADHD?
Absolutely. Many people experience both, and each can make the other feel stronger. Understanding the connection helps guide the right tools and approaches.
3. How can therapy help?
Therapy helps you understand patterns, manage emotional triggers, and learn tools for organization and focus. It also helps you and your therapist explore whether the challenges come from anxiety, ADHD, or both.
4. What if I’m not sure where to start?
Start with a consultation. A therapist can help you sort through what’s going on and recommend whether to pursue anxiety-focused therapy, an ADHD assessment, or both.
5. Does Darcy Bailey & Associates provide ADHD assessment?
Our therapists offer counselling and support for ADHD and anxiety-related challenges. When a formal assessment is needed, we collaborate with trusted local psychologists or physicians.
You’re Not Broken — Your Brain Is Communicating
Whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, or both, your brain is trying to handle more than it can process. With the right understanding and tools, you can feel calm, capable, and back in control.
Reach out to Darcy Bailey & Associates Counselling in Langley, BC to book a consultation or learn more about therapy for anxiety and ADHD. Together, we can help you bring your mind and nervous system back into balance.
About the Authors
This article was co-written by Darcy Bailey, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and founder of Darcy Bailey & Associates Counselling, and Rhonda MacWilliams, M.Ed., Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) at Darcy Bailey & Associates. Rhonda works with children, youth, adults and couples and specializes in the area of trauma, anxiety, self-esteem, building confidence and emotional resilience. They are committed to providing safe, compassionate and practical help, backed by evidence-based approaches to counselling so that people can grow and thrive in their lives.
