How to Tell the Difference Between ADHD and Anxiety
Understanding the overlap, causes, and treatment options for adults and teens in Ireland
Summary
Anxiety and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can look surprisingly similar. Both can affect focus, mood, energy, motivation, and emotional regulation. Yet, they are distinct conditions that require different therapeutic approaches. Knowing which is at play—or if both are present—can make everyday life far easier to manage.
In Ireland, ADHD and anxiety frequently co-exist, particularly in adults who were never formally diagnosed as children. With the right blend of Psychotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, RTT® (Rapid Transformational Therapy), and functional nutrition support, it’s possible to ease symptoms and rebuild focus, calm, and confidence—both ONLINE and in-person across Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, Dublin, and Dungarven.
1. Why ADHD and Anxiety Feel So Similar
ADHD affects attention, planning, memory, and impulse control, known as executive function. Anxiety affects the body’s stress response system, increasing worry, restlessness, and tension. When these occur together, the brain can feel like it is in constant overdrive, flipping between distraction and hyperfocus.
Common overlapping symptoms include:
- Trouble paying attention or staying on task
- Difficulty starting or finishing projects
- Restlessness or fidgeting
- Emotional outbursts or frustration
- Forgetfulness and missed deadlines
- Trouble socialising or maintaining relationships
- Feeling isolated or overwhelmed
It’s easy to see why so many adults and teens in Ireland wonder which one they have—or if it’s both.
2. ADHD vs Anxiety: Some Key Differences
While they overlap, there are subtle distinctions.
- In ADHD, distraction usually stems from a wandering mind that struggles to filter stimuli.
- In Anxiety, distraction comes from being preoccupied with worry, fear, or overthinking.
- In ADHD, restlessness often appears as fidgeting, interrupting, or impulsive speech.
- In Anxiety, restlessness tends to show as physical tension or agitation.
- In ADHD, difficulty finishing tasks may result from poor executive function.
- In Anxiety, avoidance often stems from fear of making mistakes or being judged.
Both conditions can reinforce one another: anxiety can heighten inattention, and inattention can create anxiety about underperforming.
3. Can ADHD Cause Anxiety?
Many adults and children with ADHD experience chronic anxiety. This can happen because:
- They face ongoing stress from missed deadlines, criticism, or relationship struggles.
- The nervous system stays in a heightened state of alertness.
- Early life challenges with attention, organisation, or learning may trigger long-term worry.
Research also suggests shared genetic and environmental links between ADHD and anxiety. In other words, some brains may be more predisposed to both conditions due to differences in neurotransmitter regulation and stress response pathways.
4. How Therapy Can Help ADHD and Anxiety
The most effective way to manage both ADHD and anxiety is through targeted psychological therapy. Evidence-based approaches such as Clinical Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, and RTT® can help calm the nervous system and strengthen executive function.
These therapies can:
- Retrain thought patterns that feed anxiety and self-doubt
- Build emotional regulation and impulse control
- Improve time management and organisation skills
- Reconnect you to motivation and self-trust
In sessions, clients often learn practical ways to “slow the brain down” while improving focus and mental clarity.
5. Functional and Lifestyle Support
Because the gut-brain axis influences attention and emotional regulation, nutrition also matters. Balanced meals, stable blood sugar, and anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce irritability, fatigue, and brain fog. Our Registered Nutritionist can assess for nutrient imbalances, including: iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium etc, that may affect concentration or mood.
Everyday steps that can support both ADHD and anxiety include:
- Sleep – Aim for consistent, good-quality rest to regulate mood and energy.
- Movement – Daily walking or gentle exercise helps lower stress hormones.
- Structure – Use simple planners or phone reminders to break big tasks into smaller steps.
- Environment – Keep your workspace uncluttered and distraction-free.
- Social connection – Regular human contact can calm the stress response.
- Nutrition – Eat regularly and include protein and slow-release carbohydrates.
- Self-compassion – Notice when perfectionism drives overwhelm and practise reframing.
6. Getting Professional Help
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are linked to ADHD, anxiety, or both, it’s important not to self-diagnose. Working with an experienced professional can help you understand what’s happening and build strategies tailored to your needs.
You can book ONLINE or in-person appointments in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, Dublin, and Dungarven for:
- Counselling and Psychotherapy for adults, teens, and children
- Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy for anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or stress
- RTT® (Rapid Transformational Therapy) for emotional regulation and confidence
- Nutritional therapy to support mental focus and energy
- Couples Counselling and Relationship Therapy to improve communication and reduce stress
7. Common Co-Occurring Conditions with ADHD
ADHD rarely appears alone. Other conditions that may occur alongside include:
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Tic disorders
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Depression
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
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Bipolar traits
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Addictive behaviours (such as: food, sugar addiction, alcohol, vaping, gambling, porn, or screen use)
When treated in an integrated way—addressing mind, brain, and body together—many clients find significant improvement in mood stability, concentration, and daily functioning.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised clinical assessment or therapy. Always consult a qualified mental health professional for individual support.
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