Can ADHD Cause Anxiety in Adults? Yes, ADHD and anxiety can be closely connected in adults. People with ADHD may experience frequent worry, stress, restlessness, or feelings of being overwhelmed, especially when ADHD symptoms make everyday responsibilities harder to manage. At the same time, some adults have both ADHD and a separate anxiety disorder.
Research shows that anxiety symptoms are more common among adults with ADHD than among adults without ADHD. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis of 58 studies found significantly higher anxiety symptom levels in adults with ADHD.
However, ADHD does not necessarily cause an anxiety disorder. The two conditions can occur together, and ADHD-related difficulties may contribute to stress and anxiety in some people.
How Are ADHD and Anxiety Connected?
ADHD can affect attention, organization, time management, impulse control, and the ability to complete tasks. When these difficulties continue over time, they can create situations that increase stress.
For example, an adult with ADHD may:
- Frequently miss deadlines
- Forget appointments or important tasks
- Struggle to organize work or household responsibilities
- Have difficulty estimating how long tasks will take
- Procrastinate until an important deadline is close
- Feel overwhelmed by a long list of responsibilities
- Worry about making mistakes
- Experience repeated frustration at work or in relationships
Over time, these experiences may contribute to persistent worry or emotional stress.
However, anxiety can also exist independently of ADHD. This is why a professional evaluation is important when someone experiences symptoms of both conditions.
Can ADHD Symptoms Feel Like Anxiety?
Sometimes ADHD symptoms and anxiety can look similar.
Both may involve:
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Irritability
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty relaxing
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Problems completing tasks
This overlap can make it difficult to determine whether someone has ADHD, anxiety, or both.
For example, someone with ADHD may have trouble concentrating because their attention is easily distracted. Someone with anxiety may have trouble concentrating because their mind is occupied with excessive worry.
The reason behind the symptom matters when making a diagnosis.
Clinical guidance emphasizes the importance of distinguishing ADHD symptoms from a separate anxiety disorder when evaluating adults.
Can ADHD Make Anxiety Worse?
ADHD may contribute to situations that increase anxiety for some adults.
1. Difficulty Staying Organized
Keeping track of appointments, bills, work assignments, household tasks, and other responsibilities can be challenging with ADHD. Constantly trying to catch up may increase stress.
2. Procrastination and Deadlines
An adult with ADHD may delay tasks until the deadline is approaching. The resulting time pressure can create intense stress and worry.
3. Repeated Mistakes
Forgetting important details or making avoidable mistakes can lead to frustration. Some people may begin worrying about making another mistake in the future.
4. Work and Academic Stress
ADHD symptoms can interfere with productivity, planning, and time management. Concerns about job performance, school responsibilities, or meeting expectations may contribute to anxiety.
5. Relationship Difficulties
Forgetfulness, impulsive behavior, difficulty listening, or inconsistent follow-through can sometimes create relationship problems. These experiences may contribute to worry or emotional distress.
These factors do not mean that ADHD automatically causes an anxiety disorder. Rather, they show how ADHD-related challenges and anxiety can influence each other.
Can You Have ADHD and an Anxiety Disorder at the Same Time?
Yes. ADHD and anxiety disorders can occur together.
Research has consistently found higher rates of anxiety disorders among adults with ADHD compared with adults without ADHD. One large review of adult studies found substantially higher odds of anxiety disorders in people with ADHD.
A 2025 review also found that anxiety frequently co-occurs with adult ADHD and noted that overlapping symptoms can make diagnosis and treatment more complicated.
Having both conditions does not mean that one person is experiencing the same symptoms as another. The type and severity of symptoms can vary considerably.
What Does Anxiety Look Like in an Adult With ADHD?
Anxiety can appear in different ways. Possible signs include:
- Excessive or difficult-to-control worry
- Constantly expecting something to go wrong
- Feeling tense or on edge
- Irritability
- Difficulty relaxing
- Racing thoughts related to worry
- Trouble sleeping
- Physical symptoms such as muscle tension or a rapid heartbeat
- Avoiding situations because of fear or worry
- Repeatedly seeking reassurance
Occasional stress is normal. Anxiety becomes more concerning when worry is persistent, difficult to control, or interferes with work, relationships, sleep, or daily activities.
How Can You Tell Whether It Is ADHD, Anxiety, or Both?
It is not always possible to determine this based on symptoms alone.
A mental health professional may look at:
- When symptoms first appeared
- Whether attention problems were present during childhood
- How symptoms affect work, school, relationships, and daily life
- Whether concentration problems occur mainly during periods of worry
- The type and severity of anxiety symptoms
- Sleep patterns
- Other mental health conditions
- Current medications and substances
- Medical factors that could contribute to symptoms
An ADHD evaluation generally looks at symptoms across different areas of life rather than relying on one symptom or a single questionnaire.
A proper assessment can help identify whether symptoms are related to ADHD, an anxiety disorder, another condition, or a combination of conditions.
How Are ADHD and Anxiety Treated?
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, and personal needs.
When ADHD and anxiety occur together, a clinician may develop a treatment plan that addresses both conditions. Treatment can include psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, medication when appropriate, or a combination of approaches.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help people understand patterns of worry, develop coping skills, and manage challenges related to ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, is one approach that may be used to address anxiety and develop practical strategies for managing thoughts and behaviors.
ADHD Treatment
When ADHD symptoms are contributing to problems with organization, attention, impulsivity, or time management, treating ADHD may help reduce some of the difficulties that are adding to a person’s stress.
Medication may be appropriate for some adults, but the choice depends on the individual’s overall clinical picture.
Anxiety Treatment
If a person meets criteria for an anxiety disorder, treatment can specifically address the anxiety. Depending on the situation, this may include psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Because ADHD and anxiety can affect each other, treatment should be individualized rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Can Treating ADHD Reduce Anxiety?
It can help in some situations, particularly when anxiety is partly related to difficulties caused by untreated ADHD.
For example, improving attention, organization, time management, and task completion may reduce some of the daily stress associated with ADHD.
However, treating ADHD does not necessarily eliminate an independent anxiety disorder. If someone has a separate anxiety condition, that anxiety may require its own treatment.
This is why identifying the underlying causes of symptoms is important.
When Should an Adult Seek Professional Help?
Consider speaking with a mental health professional if anxiety, attention problems, or both are interfering with your daily life.
Professional support may be especially helpful when you:
- Constantly feel overwhelmed
- Have persistent or excessive worry
- Struggle to complete everyday responsibilities
- Frequently miss deadlines or appointments
- Have ongoing concentration problems
- Avoid activities because of anxiety
- Experience significant sleep problems
- Have difficulty maintaining work or relationships
- Feel that your symptoms are becoming harder to manage
You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ADHD directly cause anxiety?
ADHD is not considered a direct cause of every anxiety disorder. However, ADHD and anxiety frequently occur together, and ADHD-related challenges may contribute to stress and anxiety in some adults.
Is anxiety a symptom of ADHD?
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, restless, or worried can occur alongside ADHD. However, having anxiety symptoms does not automatically mean that a person has an anxiety disorder. A professional evaluation can help distinguish ADHD symptoms from a separate anxiety condition.
Can ADHD and anxiety be diagnosed together?
Yes. An adult can have both ADHD and an anxiety disorder. Because some symptoms overlap, a thorough evaluation is important.
Can ADHD medication make anxiety worse?
Medication affects people differently. Some people may notice increased nervousness or other side effects, while others may benefit from improved ADHD symptoms. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional who can consider the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatment.
Should I get evaluated for ADHD or anxiety first?
There is no single answer for everyone. A clinician can evaluate both sets of symptoms and determine which condition or symptoms require attention first based on severity, functional impact, and individual circumstances.
The Bottom Line
ADHD and anxiety are closely connected in many adults. ADHD does not automatically cause an anxiety disorder, but difficulties with attention, organization, deadlines, relationships, and daily responsibilities can contribute to stress and anxiety. Research also shows that adults with ADHD have higher levels of anxiety symptoms and are more likely to experience anxiety disorders than adults without ADHD.
If you are experiencing symptoms of both ADHD and anxiety, an evaluation by a qualified mental health professional can help determine what is happening and identify an appropriate treatment plan.
Seeking professional help can be an important first step toward better focus, reduced distress, and improved day-to-day functioning.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are concerned about ADHD, anxiety, or changes in your mental health, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.