ADHD and anxiety often show up together, but they don’t always look the way people expect. You might find yourself constantly distracted, yet overwhelmed by worry. Or maybe you struggle to start tasks, not because you’re uninterested, but because the anxiety kicks in before you even begin. If that sounds familiar, there’s a chance that ADHD and anxiety are both part of the picture.

Understanding how these two conditions interact can help you make sense of daily challenges and figure out what kind of support might help.

ADHD and anxiety share a few symptoms—trouble concentrating, restlessness, and sleep issues—but they come from different places.

With ADHD, you might jump between tasks, forget what you were doing, or lose interest halfway through. With anxiety, your mind might lock onto one thought and refuse to let go, often imagining the worst possible outcome.

When they appear together, it can look like this:

• Feeling overwhelmed by even simple tasks
• Struggling to focus because your thoughts won’t slow down
• Putting things off, not out of laziness, but because the worry makes it hard to start
• Being exhausted by the constant effort to “hold it all together”

There’s no single reason, but researchers think a mix of factors play a role:

• Genetics: ADHD and anxiety often run in families, and they can be passed down together.
• Brain chemistry: Both involve differences in how the brain regulates things like attention, mood, and motivation.
• Life experiences: Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD can lead to repeated stress, which can feed into anxiety later on.

Living with both ADHD and anxiety can make everyday things feel harder than they should. For example:

• You might worry about missing deadlines, then avoid checking your calendar.
• You could feel stuck between wanting to get things done and not knowing where to start.
• You may overthink conversations or decisions, then get frustrated when your mind won’t move on.

This kind of push-pull can lead to burnout, especially if you’re constantly trying to meet expectations without knowing why it’s so difficult.

If you’re an adult struggling with these symptoms, you might benefit from a private ADHD assessment to better understand your condition and what kind of support could help.

Managing ADHD and anxiety together doesn’t mean treating them separately. Often, the same strategies can help with both.

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often used to treat anxiety and has been adapted for ADHD as well. It focuses on building practical skills for managing thoughts and behaviour.
• Medication: Some medications can help with ADHD, anxiety, or both. If you’re thinking about this route, speak with a clinician experienced in ADHD.
• Structure and routine: ADHD can make time feel unpredictable, and anxiety thrives in uncertainty. Having a clear routine can make a big difference.
• Movement and mindfulness: Regular exercise and grounding techniques can help calm the nervous system and improve focus.

Not sure where to start? You can book an appointment online and speak with someone who understands what you’re going through.

If you recognise these patterns in yourself, talking to a professional can help you figure out what’s going on. You don’t have to have all the answers before you reach out. Check out the services we offer for adults and children.

If you’re navigating life with ADHD, connecting with support networks and resources can be invaluable. Here are a few reliable organisations to explore:

• NHS ADHD Services: The NHS provides information and guidance on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Visit their ADHD support page for more details.
• ADHD Foundation: A UK-based charity that offers resources, webinars, and events to help people with ADHD and their families. You can learn more on their website at ADHD Foundation.

These organisations provide a wealth of information and can connect you with local support services.

At KPI:Access, we specialise in providing accessible and affordable assessments for ADHD and ASD. Our goal is to reduce waiting times and offer high-quality, professional support to both children and adults.

Our team takes a compassionate and thorough approach to assessment. We understand that seeking a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, which is why we’re committed to providing a stress-free, supportive experience.

Why Choose KPI:Access?

• Fast appointments: No need to wait months for an assessment.
• No GP referral needed: Self-referrals are welcome.
• Expert care: Our clinicians are highly trained in ADHD and ASD diagnosis.
• Inclusive approach: We operate a no-exclusion policy, ensuring everyone receives the support they need.

Taking the step to get assessed could change your life. A diagnosis can unlock access to strategies and treatments that improve your quality of life, helping you reach your full potential.