Anxiety and ADHD can overlap – here’s how to untangle these widespread mental health disorders

Untreated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can cause performance problems at school or work, leading to depression and financial stress. Pheelings Media/iStock via Getty Images

For decades, one of the greatest challenges to treating neurological disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is that its symptoms often resemble those of several other conditions. Overlapping disorders are extremely common when it comes to neurological diagnoses.

A child who struggles to sit still, focus or complete tasks could have ADHD, anxiety, a learning disability or simply be reacting to stress at home. A teenager who seems emotionally volatile and impulsive might be showing early signs of a mood disorder, ADHD or trauma. An adult who constantly misses deadlines, forgets important obligations and feels chronically overwhelmed might be dealing with workplace burnout, a severe anxiety disorder or undiagnosed ADHD.