ADHD vs Anxiety: Understanding Why Misdiagnosis Happens

ADHD and anxiety share many overlapping symptoms, making it easy for people to be misdiagnosed. Both conditions can cause restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of overwhelm, but they stem from different issues.

• ADHD is characterised by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. People with ADHD struggle with staying focused, managing tasks, and often act on impulse.
• Anxiety is marked by excessive worry and fear, causing individuals to feel tense or panicked about future events. Anxiety can make focusing difficult, but this is often due to overthinking rather than a neurological deficit in attention.

Why Misdiagnosis Happens

Since both ADHD and anxiety can manifest with restlessness, concentration issues, and irritability, the two are often confused. For example:

• A person with ADHD may appear anxious because they have trouble organising tasks and managing their time.
• Someone with Anxiety may struggle with focus, especially when they're feeling overwhelmed by worry.

Another challenge is that these conditions often co-exist. It’s estimated that a significant number of individuals with ADHD also experience anxiety, blurring the lines between the two disorders.

Key Differences

1. Root Cause: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting focus and executive function, while anxiety is an emotional response to stress or worry.
2. Symptoms Onset: ADHD symptoms tend to be lifelong, often starting in childhood, while anxiety can develop at any point, particularly in response to stressors.
3. Focus and Attention: With ADHD, lack of focus is due to an inability to stay attentive; with anxiety, the inability to focus often stems from being overwhelmed by worries.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Misdiagnosis can lead to improper treatment. For instance, someone with ADHD may be prescribed anxiety medication, which doesn’t address their underlying attention issues, or vice versa. Proper diagnosis ensures that individuals receive the correct management strategies and medication, improving their quality of life.

At Private Medical Clinic, we offer comprehensive ADHD assessments tailored for both adults and children. Our services include an in-depth evaluation process, starting with an initial GP consultation to understand your symptoms. We provide specialised testing that is designed to assess attention, behaviour, and cognitive function,  ensuring you receive the correct diagnosis After diagnosis, you’ll receive a personalised treatment plan that may include medication or other management strategies. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you get the support you need to manage ADHD effectively.

With our services you can also benefit from same day appointments and virtual consultations, from diagnosis to management and medication. Making support fast and effective!

Click here to book an appointment with one of our doctors, or click here for information regarding our assessments.