ADHD vs Anxiety: What’s the Difference?

Many people wonder whether their challenges are driven by Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or both. Because symptoms can overlap — think restlessness, trouble concentrating, and sleep issues—understanding the distinctions matters. This article outlines where ADHD and anxiety differ, how they can co-occur, and how ADHD testing helps clarify what’s really going on.

How ADHD and Anxiety May Feel Different Day to Day

While both conditions can affect focus and energy, the “why” often differs:

  • Attention problems: In ADHD, distractibility is frequent across situations (e.g., during work, chores, conversations). In anxiety, focus may drop when worry or fear is high (e.g., before a presentation).
  • Restlessness: ADHD-related restlessness sometimes reflects under-stimulation or difficulty sustaining effort. Anxiety-related restlessness can sometimes be tied to tension, worry, or hypervigilance.
  • Forgetfulness: In ADHD, working memory lapses can present as missed steps, misplaced items, or unfinished tasks. In anxiety, forgetfulness may follow mental preoccupation with worries.
  • Procrastination: With ADHD, delays are sometimes linked to task initiation and time-blindness. With anxiety, delays can sometimes stem from fear of mistakes or perfectionism.
A bright, natural-light therapy office with a male ADHD psychologist and an adult client for a testing discussing a notebook and tablet. The mood is calm and solution-focused

Where ADHD and Anxiety Sometimes Overlap

Some experiences can be common to both and can blur the picture:

  • Trouble concentrating, especially under pressure
  • Sleep disruption and daytime fatigue
  • Irritability or low frustration tolerance
  • Feeling overwhelmed by everyday demands

Because of this overlap, self-observation alone can be confusing. That’s where a structured assessment can help.

How ADHD Testing Can Clarify the Picture

ADHD testing is a systematic process — not a single quiz. It typically includes a clinical interview, validated questionnaires, and, when appropriate, cognitive measures. The goal is to understand when and where symptoms occur, how long they’ve been present, and how much they affect daily life. A trained clinician can also consider other explanations, including anxiety, mood concerns, sleep issues, or learning differences.

Can ADHD and Anxiety Occur Together?

Yes. People can experience both. Untreated ADHD may contribute to stress and performance problems, which may increase anxiety over time. Likewise, ongoing anxiety can sometimes worsen focus and energy, sometimes making ADHD-like difficulties more visible. When conditions co-occur, a tailored plan often addresses attention, organisation, and anxiety-management skills.

When to Consider ADHD Testing

If attention challenges have been present for years, across situations, and are affecting work, study, or relationships, a formal assessment can provide clarity. If worry, tension, or fear dominate your difficulties, an evaluation can explore anxiety and related factors. In either case, an assessment may help you make informed choices about next steps.