Anxiety vs ADHD: How to Tell the Difference
May 26
When your mind won’t slow down, when focus feels impossible, and when you're always on edge—it’s easy to wonder:
“Is this anxiety… or could it be ADHD?”
Both can make everyday life feel harder. But they’re not the same. And getting the right support starts with knowing what you’re dealing with.
Let’s break it down.
What’s the Difference Between Anxiety and ADHD?
Anxiety is usually driven by fear or worry. Your brain is scanning for danger, even if there isn’t any. You might overthink everything, avoid specific tasks, or feel stuck in a “what if” thought loop.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is more about brain wiring. It affects how you focus, plan, and manage time. You might get distracted easily, lose things often, or feel restless even when trying to relax.
But here’s the tricky part:
Anxiety and ADHD can look a lot alike.
That’s why it’s so easy to confuse the two.
Anxiety Symptoms in Adults
Overthinking and racing thoughts
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Avoiding situations or people
Feeling tense, shaky, or on edge
Constant worry about the future
Physical symptoms like chest tightness or stomach issues
Perfectionism or fear of failure
Learn more about our anxiety therapy and therapists.
ADHD Symptoms in Adults
According to the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC), ADHD symptoms in adults often include:
Trouble staying focused (even on things you want to do)
Forgetting tasks, appointments, or where you put your keys
Feeling bored or easily distracted
Struggling to finish what you start
Interrupting in conversations
Feeling impulsive—acting before thinking
Restlessness or trouble relaxation
Learn more about our ADHD therapy in Ontario and “Can ADHD Be Cured”?
Anxiety vs ADHD in Women
Women are often underdiagnosed for both ADHD and anxiety. That’s because symptoms can show up in unique ways and often look very similar
With anxiety, women might become people-pleasers, avoid conflict, or hide their distress under a calm surface. Sometimes taking on avoidant behaviours due to anxiety, or an intolerance of uncertainty.
With ADHD, women often internalize their struggles. These symptoms can present as feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or like they’re always “behind” in life—even if others cannot notice.
Hormones, parenting, and social pressure can also make symptoms worse. If you're a woman wondering why everything feels so hard lately, you’re not alone. And it’s not your fault.
ADHD & Anxiety Test
There’s no single test that gives a perfect answer. But a diagnostic assessment with a Psychologist, and a review of your history can help identify a diagnosis and a path forward.
You may be asked about:
How long symptoms have been going on
What situations make things better or worse
School, work, and social challenges
Family history of mental health concerns
A trained mental health professional, specifically a Psychologist, can help you sort out what’s what.
Learn more about online psychological assessments at Virtual CBT Psychotherapy. Book a free consultation to learn how a psychological assessment can help. Learn more about our fees.
How can a psychological assessment benefit me? - Psychological Clarity
Frequently Asked Questions: Anxiety vs ADHD
Do I have ADHD, or is it just anxiety?
It could be one. It could be both. Many adults with ADHD also have anxiety. The key difference is that ADHD symptoms are more constant, while anxiety symptoms can come and go based on stress or triggers.
Can anxiety be mistaken for ADHD?
Yes. Both can cause trouble focusing, restlessness, and sleep problems. But they have different root causes—and they’re treated differently.
Can I have both anxiety and ADHD?
Absolutely. It’s common. And when that happens, treatment should address both—not just one.
Can ADHD Cause Anxiety?
Yes, ADHD can cause anxiety. Struggling to stay organized, meet deadlines, or manage daily tasks can lead to constant worry fear of failure. Learn more about the connection between ADHD and anxiety.
Treatment Options for Anxiety, ADHD, or Both
Getting the right treatment starts with understanding what’s really going on. Once you know whether it’s anxiety, ADHD, or both, you can make a plan that actually works for you.
Here’s what treatment can look like:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for both anxiety and ADHD. It helps you:
Notice unhelpful thinking patterns
Manage worry or racing thoughts
Improve focus and time management
Build routines and coping strategies that last
Get out of the “all or nothing” mindset
At Virtual CBT, we break big goals into small, manageable steps. No judgment. Just support and practical tools.
Medication
Some people do benefit from medication—especially when symptoms are getting in the way of work, relationships, or daily life.
For ADHD, stimulant and non-stimulant medications can improve focus and reduce restlessness.
For anxiety, medications like SSRIs can help calm the nervous system and minimize constant worry.
We don’t prescribe medications, but are happy to work alongside your doctor or psychiatrist to support your treatment plan. A comprehensive report will be provided to you, and you can use this to bring it to your family doctor or psychiatrist.
Lifestyle Support
Small shifts can make a big difference, especially when paired with therapy:
Exercise (even just a walk) to release stress and boost focus
Regular sleep routines
Reducing caffeine or alcohol
Mindfulness or breathing exercises
Planning tools like calendars or timers
We’ll help you figure out what works best for your brain.
What if I Have Both?
It’s more common than you think. And it doesn’t mean you’re broken.
We tailor therapy to your unique mix of symptoms. At Virtual CBT, we can treat both the anxiety and the ADHD in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
Book a Free Consultation. For Residents of Ontario.
If you’ve been wondering for a while or reading this felt a little too familiar, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Virtual CBT, we help adults across Ontario understand what’s going on in their minds—and what to do about it. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, ADHD, or both, we offer therapy that actually helps.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today. No pressure. Just a chance to talk it through with someone who gets it. Click the tab below.
Written by Melissa Lindstrom, RSW. An ADHD & CBT therapist in Ontario.
Sources
Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC): https://caddac.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association – Anxiety Disorders: https://cmha.ca
National Institute of Mental Health – ADHD: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
CAMH – Mental Health Information: https://www.camh.ca
