You might have another mental health problem if you’ve been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Symptoms of other diseases might conceal ADHD symptoms.
Over 60% of patients with ADHD have a comorbid or coexisting disease.
Anxiety is a common symptom among persons with ADHD. Anxiety disorders affect almost half of adults and up to a third of children with ADHD. Continue reading to understand more about the link between these two ailments.
What to expect from ADHD and Anxiety?
Anxiety can worsen some of the symptoms of ADHD, such as restlessness and difficulty concentrating. However, anxiety disorder has its own set of symptoms, including the following:
- Constant worry about many different things.
- Feeling on edge.
- Stress.
- Fatigue.
- Trouble Sleeping.
Anxiety disorder is more than merely experiencing occasional nervous sensations. It’s a mental disorder that can hurt your relationships, career, and overall quality of life.
How to tell the difference between ADHD and Anxiety?
Anxiety is a common side effect of ADHD. When that’s the case, your concern is usually how much — or how little — you’ll be able to do. You’re worried about your ADHD or feel overwhelmed by it.
When you have an anxiety disorder in addition to ADHD, your anxieties are likely to be about a wide range of topics, not just your ADHD issues.
Talk to your doctor about the source of your anxiety. So, the two of you can work out what’s causing it. They may ask you the following questions:
- Do you get anxious when things don’t make sense?
- Do you find it hard to manage your worries?
- Are you getting enough rest?
- Are your anxieties preventing you from going about your daily routine?
- Do you experience anxiety for an hour or three to five times a week?
- Have you lately had a major life event?
- Is there anyone in your family who has a history of anxiety?
How to treat ADHD and Anxiety?
Your doctor will likely consider which disease affects you the most when figuring out the proper treatment for ADHD and anxiety. It’s conceivable that your ADHD therapy will reduce your anxiety, requiring you to use only ADHD medication.
When you get treatment for ADHD, it can:
- Reduce your anxiety.
- Improve your focus so you can handle jobs more effectively.
- Give yourself mental energy so you may deal with anxiety symptoms more effectively.
If your anxiety isn’t a sign of ADHD, you’ll probably need to treat both conditions simultaneously.
Some therapies for both ADHD and anxiety are effective, such as:
- Cognitive-Behavioral therapy.
- Relaxation techniques and meditation.
- Prescription medications.
Effects of ADHD Medication on Your Anxiety
Stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines are the most prescribed medications for ADHD. These medications may be effective for ADHD even if you have anxiety.
Anxiety is a typical stimulant adverse effect. Although your doctor won’t know how a drug will affect you until you take it, stimulants may worsen anxiety symptoms.
Outlook
It’s critical to notify your doctor about all your symptoms if you have ADHD, even if you think they’re unrelated. It’s conceivable that you have another ailment, such as anxiousness. Please report any new symptoms to your doctor since you might develop anxiety or another ailment over time.
You’ll be able to start therapy for both ADHD and anxiety after your doctor has confirmed your diagnosis.
How to manage your Anxiety?
Anxiety disorder is a mental illness that needs the aid of a mental health expert. However, there are certain things you may do to try to alleviate your symptoms.
1-Find out what triggers you.
Specific situations, like speaking in public or making a phone call, might cause anxiety in some people. Working with your doctor on techniques to manage your anxiety in these circumstances after finding your triggers is a clever idea. Preparing notes and practicing a presentation, for example, might help you feel more at ease while speaking in front of people.
2-Sleep well.
Tiredness might cause anxiety or raise your chances of feeling nervous. Every night, try to get seven to eight hours of sleep. If you’re having difficulties sleeping, consider meditating or taking a warm bath before bed to help you relax. Plan to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Setting a sleep routine might help you educate your body to sleep at bedtime.
Consult your doctor if you continue to have difficulties falling or staying asleep. The medicine you’re taking for anxiety or ADHD may interfere with your sleep. You may also need to use a sleep aid for a while. Do not begin taking any other medications without first consulting your physician. Some drugs might worsen anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
3-Create a schedule.
It may be difficult to carry out chores if you have ADHD. Some people’s anxiety might worsen because of this. Create a timetable and stick to it to avoid this. Each activity will take longer than you expect. Setting unreasonable expectations for yourself can only worsen your worry.
4-Keep a journal.
A diary might assist you in clearing your mind. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to keeping a diary. You should feel free to write down whatever’s on your mind because it’s solely for you. Writing might also help you figure out what you want to talk to your doctor or therapist about.
5-Exercise regularly.
Exercise helps people feel less anxious. According to a review of studies, exercise lower anxiety in a variety of settings. To completely grasp how exercise impacts anxiety, further study is needed. Make it a point to exercise for 30 minutes every day. Start slow and work your way up to more strenuous exercises if you’re new to exercising.
6-Be patient.
Anxiety therapy takes time, and you may need to try several different approaches before finding one that works for you. Be patient with yourself and, more importantly, with your doctor.
Kazmo Brain Center is a counseling center in Texas specializing in mental health. It will work with you toward a happier and more satisfying life. If you or your family are facing problems, and you think that you need aid in fixing them, Dr.Leza(Reza) Kazemi-Mohammadi at Kazmo Brain Center can help.
