Do I Have ADHD or Anxiety? Understanding the Overlap and When to Seek Help
Hello all, Dr. Taylor here. I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner based out of Washington State and I thought it’d be helpful to publish a blog post discussing the importance of understanding overlap between ADHD, anxiety, and when people should seek help. TLDR; you can click the link here if you’d like a free consultation.
Have you ever wondered whether your struggles with focus, restlessness, or overthinking are signs of ADHD or anxiety, or possibly both? You’re not alone. These two conditions can look very similar on the surface, but understanding the differences (and how they can overlap) is the first step toward getting the right support.
As a psychiatric nurse practitioner providing telepsychiatry for individuals across Washington State, I work with adults and teens (ages 14 and up) who are navigating these exact questions every day.
Let’s break it down.
What’s the Difference Between ADHD and Anxiety?
Both ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can cause:
Difficulty concentrating
Racing thoughts
Restlessness or fidgeting
Procrastination or avoidance
Trouble sleeping
But they come from different places in the brain and require different treatment approaches.
With ADHD, the problem is often:
Trouble starting or finishing tasks
Feeling constantly distracted or forgetful
Chronic disorganization, even with effort
Time blindness or “zoning out”
With Anxiety, the core issue is usually:
Excessive worry about specific outcomes
Fear of failure, judgment, or uncertainty
Overthinking and second-guessing
Tension or panic in social or work situations
Can You Have Both ADHD and Anxiety?
Yes, and many people do. In fact, research shows that up to 50% of individuals with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder.
Sometimes, untreated ADHD leads to stress and overwhelm that eventually turns into anxiety. Other times, anxiety is the primary condition and causes issues with focus and motivation that look like ADHD.
Why Clarifying the Diagnosis Matters
It’s common to assume that anxiety or mood symptoms should be treated first, and in some cases, that’s true, especially if anxiety is intense or causing significant daily distress. However, it’s also possible that those symptoms are secondary to undiagnosed or untreated ADHD.
For example:
If you’ve spent years struggling to keep up with school, work, or daily responsibilities, that can lead to chronic stress, self-doubt, and eventually anxiety or depression.
In these cases, treating the underlying ADHD can reduce or even resolve anxiety and mood symptoms without needing to treat them directly.
This is why it’s so important to look at your whole mental health picture, not just one piece of it. A thoughtful psychiatric evaluation helps avoid misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment, and unnecessary medication changes. This is especially important in adolescents, who may present differently than adults.
What Happens in a Psychiatric Evaluation?
In a psychiatric intake with me, we’ll explore:
Your mental health and medical history
Current symptoms and how they impact your daily life, school, or work
Any past diagnoses or treatments
Your goals for care, whether that’s symptom relief, medication, or just clarity
I offer telepsychiatry across Washington State, so you can attend your appointments from the comfort of your home, whether you’re in Seattle, Spokane, Yakima, or anywhere in between.
What Treatment Might Look Like
Depending on your needs, treatment might include:
Medication management for ADHD, anxiety, or both
Referrals for therapy, coaching, or academic support if appropriate
Education about your condition and how to manage it
Ongoing check-ins to ensure your treatment is effective
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to work with you collaboratively, supportively, and practically.
When to Reach Out
If you or your teen have been wondering “Do I have ADHD or anxiety?” and it’s starting to affect school, work, relationships, or confidence, it might be time to talk to someone.
You don’t need a diagnosis to start a conversation.
Ready to Take the First Step?
I specialize in working with adults and adolescents (14+) who are navigating focus issues, burnout, anxiety, and the overlap between ADHD and anxiety. If you’re located in Washington State, I offer virtual psychiatric evaluations and medication management tailored to your needs.
👉 Schedule a free consultation to learn more by filling out a contact form by clicking this link.
FAQ
Can a psychiatric provider tell if I have ADHD or anxiety?
Yes. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are trained to evaluate both conditions and can help you understand what’s really going on.
What if I’ve never had a diagnosis before?
That’s totally okay. Many clients I work with, teens and adults alike, are seeking their first formal evaluation.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. I offer telepsychiatry to anyone located in Washington State. It’s flexible, private, and convenient.
Hope you all are having a great summer.
Warmly,
Dr. Taylor PMHNP-BC
