Although anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two different conditions, it can be difficult to distinguish between them because of some overlapping symptoms, such as restlessness and trouble focusing.
Misdiagnosis can occasionally result because of the intricacy of these conditions and the overlap in symptoms. For instance, anxiety and ADHD are occasionally misdiagnosed. Alternatively, a person may have both anxiety and ADHD. To get the proper therapy, it is best to speak with a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, if you suspect that you may have one of these diseases.
The distinctions and similarities between ADHD anxiety and how they are treated will be covered in this post.
What are the side effects of ADHD medications?
Although anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two different conditions, it can be difficult to distinguish between them because of some overlapping symptoms, such as restlessness and trouble focusing.
- Misdiagnosis can occasionally result because of the intricacy of these conditions and the overlap in symptoms. For instance, anxiety and ADHD are occasionally misdiagnosed.
- Alternatively, a person may have both anxiety and ADHD. To get the proper therapy, it is best to speak with a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist, if you suspect that you may have one of these diseases.
Other ADHD medication side effects may include:
- Exhaustion: A brief period of exhaustion, increased activity, or a negative mood after the medicine wears off is known as the rebound effect.
- Anxiety: Depression and anxiety that are new or worse.
- Tics: Abrupt, repeating sounds or movements, such as clearing one’s throat or blinking one’s eyes. Although tics are not caused by ADHD medication, it may make them more obvious than they otherwise would be.
- Minor growth delay: While some kids and teenagers who use stimulants see a slowdown in their growth, this has no bearing on their eventual height.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Symptoms of upset stomach include nausea and vomiting.
- Variations in heart rate and blood pressure: Depending on the drug, blood pressure may increase or decrease. Additionally, stimulant drugs may cause a modest rise in heart rate.
The increase is usually minor and not dangerous, but you should tell your healthcare provider if you or your child have a history of heart problems.
Side effects that don’t go away after a few weeks of treatment may be relieved by:
- Changing your medication dosage or schedule.
- Changing to an extended-release formulation.
- Consa different stimulant medication.
- Trying a non-stimulant medication.
ADHD and Anxiety – A Complicated Relationship
Can You Have Both?
Yes, and it’s more common than you think. Studies show that about 50% of adults with ADHD also struggle with anxiety disorders.
How One Condition Affects the Other
ADHD can lead to anxiety due to constant forgetfulness or underperformance. Likewise, anxiety can make focusing (an ADHD symptom) even worse.
Can I have ADHD and anxiety simultaneously?
When it comes to neurodevelopmental disorders and mental health concerns, comorbidity is common, which indicates that two or more conditions exist concurrently. ADHD and anxiety are not mutually exclusive conditions. In fact, it’s rather common. Approximately 50% of adults and 33% of children with ADHD have an anxiety problem.
Do ADHD meds help with anxiety?
If a person suffers from anxiety but does not have ADHD, ADHD-specific medications such as stimulants will not help them. However, if someone has untreated ADHD and is experiencing anxiety, ADHD medication can assist. Additionally, if antidepressants are recommended for ADHD, they may also help with anxiety.
Final Verdict:
Untreated ADHD may be causing you to experience greater anxiety. Furthermore, having high levels of anxiety can exacerbate your ADHD symptoms. Without therapy, this can lead to an uncomfortable cycle. It can be if the anxiety is rooted in ADHD symptoms. But if you have a standalone anxiety disorder? Proceed with caution. ADHD meds aren’t anxiety meds, and sometimes they stir the pot instead of calming it.
