If your child or teen has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and shows signs of anxiety, you might wonder if they’re linked. Studies do show a correlation between ADHD and anxiety disorders—roughly three in 10 children/teens who have been diagnosed with ADHD also have co-occurring anxiety.
As a parent, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and recognize the signs in your child. With proper care, adjustments to routines, and academic support, your child can overcome the difficulties that come along with ADHD and anxiety.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurological condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which can significantly impact your child’s ability to function at home, at school, and in play with others.
While the exact causes of ADHD are not fully understood, both genetic and environmental factors are believed to influence its development. Symptoms of ADHD in children and teens include:
- Short attention span
- Forgetfulness
- Constantly changing activities
- Being unable to sit still
- Fidgeting
- Difficulty concentrating
The Anxiety and ADHD Connection
Children and teens with ADHD often face higher risks of developing anxiety disorders. If a child’s ADHD contributes to impulsive behavior, struggles with academic performance, time management, and organizational skills, the mistakes can pile up. This may result in chronic stress.
For example, if a child or teen has problems studying for an exam and has scored poorly in the past, their stress about studying can compound the problem. If they consistently get negative feedback such as poor grades, admonishment from parents or teachers, or conflicts with friends, this can also affect their self-esteem.
Low self-esteem feeds into anxiety, which can lead to avoidance of responsibilities and withdrawal from social activities. ADHD is also characterized by poor emotional regulation. If the emotion they’re flooded with is a negative one (for example, fear, shame, guilt, stress, or worry), they may get stuck ruminating on that anxiety.
What to Watch Out For
Identifying the signs of anxiety in children and teens with ADHD can be difficult because of how much their symptoms overlap. While restlessness and impulsivity are hallmark signs of ADHD, excessive worry, fear, irritability, and avoidance are more commonly symptoms of anxiety.
Typically, an anxious child’s behavior will be anchored to their worry. They may feel stressed about an upcoming school project, which then turns into catastrophizing, sleep disturbances, or stomachaches. In a child with ADHD, their behaviors aren’t dependent on specific worries or fears. They also usually don’t have physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, insomnia, or pain, while an anxious child will.
It’s important to develop a baseline understanding of your child’s behavior. Look out for patterns in how they act and how they express certain emotions. When do they tend to act out? Do they ruminate on certain worries or feelings? Are they only recently complaining of physical symptoms? Because anxiety and ADHD can look so similar, you’ll need to watch out for subtle changes in your child.
Getting Help for Your Child or Teen
Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose your child. Early intervention is the best practice for dealing with the dual challenges of ADHD and anxiety. If you suspect your child is struggling with one or both, seek a diagnosis. Their treatment plan may involve medication, therapy, and academic intervention, depending on your child’s needs.
Behavioral therapy is a powerful tool for guiding a child through these issues. A child-focused therapist can equip them with the skills to identify negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies to deal with their emotions and behaviors caused by ADHD.
To find out more about the connection between ADHD and anxiety, please reach out to us.
