ADHD and anxiety are different conditions, but they often show up together. They are both connected to mental health, and their symptoms can sometimes overlap. This can make it hard to know what’s really going on, or what to do next.
In Ireland, thousands of people live with ADHD, anxiety, or both. Around 5% of children and 1.5% of adults are thought to have ADHD [1]. And while these conditions can affect daily life, it’s possible to manage symptoms, reduce overwhelm, and prevent burnout. With the right support, things can get easier.
This guide explains what ADHD and anxiety are, how their symptoms overlap, and why it’s so important to get a proper ADHD diagnosis through a trusted provider in Ireland. We’ll also look at treatment options and what signs to watch for in children and adults.
ADHD and anxiety can both affect focus, sleep, and emotions. But they’re not the same thing.
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition. That means it affects how the brain grows and works.
ADHD has often been missed in children and adults due to outdated ideas about who it affects. As a result, some people only get diagnosed later in life, after years of struggling with symptoms [4].
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a mental health condition. It can come and go at different times in life and often develops in response to stress or trauma.
Even though they can look alike on the surface, the causes are different. And so is the treatment. That’s why it’s so important to understand what’s driving your symptoms.
ADHD affects attention, impulse control, and energy levels. It’s not just about being ‘hyper’ or distracted. There are three types:
It’s also common to struggle with executive function (like planning and organising), and experience emotional dysregulation – finding it hard to manage your feelings.
For more information about the definition and symptoms, read our comprehensive guide to ADHD.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or unease. It becomes a problem when it’s constant or overwhelming.
There are three main types of anxiety disorders:
Symptoms include restlessness, racing thoughts, poor sleep, and physical problems like nausea or a fast heartbeat.
Yes, it’s common to have both ADHD and anxiety at once. This is called a comorbid condition, which means two or more conditions happen together.
In Ireland, many people with ADHD also experience anxiety. This often stems from struggling with focus, emotional ups and downs, or managing daily life.
Research shows that adults with ADHD are more likely to have anxiety, and the same goes for children. About 8 in 10 adults with ADHD also live with another mental health condition, called psychiatric comorbidity [2]. This could be depression, anxiety, sleep problems, PTSD, addiction, bipolar disorder, OCD, or long-term personality difficulties.
One condition can make the other worse. For example:
When ADHD and anxiety happen together, diagnosis can take longer. The symptoms may overlap or even hide each other. That’s why a full mental health assessment is so important before starting any treatment.
Want to understand how ADHD shows up differently in women? Read our full guide to ADHD in women here.
ADHD and anxiety can share some of the same symptoms. This can make it hard to know what’s really going on.
For example, both can cause:
But the reasons behind these symptoms can be very different. That’s why guessing or self-diagnosing isn’t a good idea. A healthcare professional can help figure out what’s causing the problem and suggest the right support.
Here are some of the most common overlapping symptoms:
People with ADHD often struggle to focus because their attention moves quickly from one thing to another. This isn’t a choice. It’s how their brain works.
With anxiety, focus problems are usually caused by racing thoughts or constant worry. Your mind feels stuck on one problem, and that makes it hard to concentrate on anything else.
ADHD can make people feel physically restless. They might fidget, pace, or find it hard to sit still.
Anxiety can cause inner restlessness, where the body feels tense and the mind won’t slow down. Both can lead to emotional overwhelm and a sense of losing control.
Burnout can happen when someone is constantly stressed, tired, or emotionally drained. It’s common in both ADHD and anxiety.
In ADHD, burnout often comes from trying to manage symptoms without support like keeping up with tasks, hiding signs from others, or overworking to avoid mistakes.
Some people with ADHD spend years masking symptoms, hiding their struggles or copying others to fit in, which can be mentally draining.
In anxiety, burnout may happen from long-term worry or panic. When someone has both conditions, the risk of burnout is even higher.
Yes, ADHD can trigger anxiety. Especially if it’s not diagnosed or managed.
People with ADHD often deal with:
Over time, these challenges can lead to chronic stress and emotional fatigue. You might start to feel anxious about failing at work, letting people down, or being judged. Some people begin to avoid tasks or situations that make them feel exposed.
Emotional dysregulation, which is common in ADHD, can also fuel anxiety. Small setbacks may feel huge. Mood swings can be intense. It’s hard to calm yourself down after getting upset.
Anxiety in people with ADHD can also show up as chronic worry, phobias, or fear of losing control. These feelings often get worse when tasks feel unmanageable or overwhelming.
For some people, this ongoing stress leads to an anxiety disorder. For others, it makes a preexisting anxiety problem worse.
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety that makes people feel very nervous in social situations. It’s more than just being shy. It often comes with a fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected.
People with ADHD are more likely to develop social anxiety. This is partly because ADHD traits can make social interactions harder, such as:
Impulsivity and anxiety can combine to make social situations harder. Acting without thinking may lead to embarrassment, while anxiety adds fear of being judged.
Over time, these traits can lead to self-consciousness and fear of making mistakes in front of others. Someone with ADHD might start avoiding:
This can have a big impact on relationships, school, and career. But support is available. Therapy, coaching, and medication can all help people feel more confident and in control.
For more information, read our guide on ADHD and its impact on personal relationships.
Girls and women are more likely to be missed or diagnosed later. This delay can make anxiety and depression worse, especially if the person never understood why things felt harder for them [4].
People with ADHD are at higher risk of both depression and anxiety.
This can happen for a few reasons:
If these issues build up over time, they can lead to secondary anxiety or depression. This means the mental health condition develops because of the ongoing struggle with ADHD.
It’s also possible to have primary anxiety or depression, which means they exist on their own or started first. That’s why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis. The right support depends on knowing what’s really going on.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious most days, speak to your GP. You don’t need to manage everything on your own.
ADHD is the most common reason children are referred to CAMHS in Ireland but wait times can be long. Girls are often missed or diagnosed later than boys.
ADHD and anxiety can show up differently in children. Sometimes, the signs are missed or mistaken for bad behaviour or shyness. But early support can make a big difference.
When a child has both conditions, they may struggle at home, in school, and with friends. Here are some key signs to watch for.
Children with ADHD and anxiety may:
This can lead to poor marks, low confidence, or frustration with schoolwork.
It’s common for children with ADHD and anxiety to have strong emotional reactions. They might:
Sensory sensitivity, like strong reactions to noise, light, or texture, can also play a role in emotional overload.
These signs are not about being ‘naughty’. They may be trying to cope with emotional overwhelm or sensory overload.
Some children with ADHD are very chatty and energetic, while others might avoid group play or struggle to make friends.
When anxiety is also present, a child may:
Understanding the cause of these behaviours is key. With the right assessment and support, children can learn how to manage their feelings and build confidence.
If you have both ADHD and anxiety, the best results often come from treating both at the same time. But the right approach starts with a full diagnosis. This helps your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and suggest treatments that work for you.
There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Treatment depends on your age, symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. Some people respond well to medication. Others prefer therapy, coaching, or changes to daily routines. Often, a mix of these works best.
The HSE and ADHD Ireland now offer digital resources and workshops to make support easier to access [3] [5].
Medication can help manage symptoms of both conditions. Options may include:
If you are taking more than one medication, your doctor will check for possible side effects or interactions. Always follow medical advice and let your GP know if something does not feel right.
For more information, read our guide: Understanding ADHD medication
Talking therapies can support both ADHD and anxiety. These may include:
Learning more about your condition through psychoeducation or support groups can also help. These offer emotional support and practical tips.
Some people benefit from a mix of one-to-one sessions and group support.
Daily habits play a big part in managing symptoms. These strategies can help:
Small changes can make a big difference over time.
For more information, read our guide to ADHD and diet: How nutrition can help manage symptoms.
If you are struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or both, you are not alone. Many people in Ireland live with these conditions.
Until 2021, there were no public ADHD services for adults in Ireland. The HSE’s National Clinical Programme now offers assessment and treatment, with plans to expand [5].
ADHD Ireland offers workshops, support groups, and advice for children, adults, and families [3].
Start by speaking to a GP. They can assess your symptoms, rule out other causes, and refer you for a formal diagnosis if needed. Early support can reduce stress, boost confidence, and improve daily life.
HealthHero offers online support for ADHD, including assessments, advice, and treatment plans from qualified clinicians.
Take the ADHD self-assessment and find out how expert support could help you feel more in control.