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Sources and references

  1. NICE guideline CG113: Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults
  2. NICE guideline NG87: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management
  3. American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR

Frequently asked questions

Can you have both ADHD and anxiety at the same time?

Yes. ADHD and anxiety frequently co-occur: many adults with ADHD develop secondary anxiety from chronic executive function struggle, and primary anxiety disorders are also common in the ADHD population. Treating only one without the other typically leaves symptoms unresolved.

How does ADHD cause anxiety?

ADHD creates situations that trigger anxiety: missed deadlines, forgotten commitments, conflict from impulsive speech, and shame from under-performance relative to perceived capability. The anxiety is a downstream effect of executive function difficulties, not a separate condition in most cases.

How can I tell whether my anxiety is primary or secondary to ADHD?

Look at direction of symptoms: if worry exists without external triggers, primary anxiety is likely; if worry only appears after missed tasks or lost items, ADHD-driven anxiety is more likely. The Starting Line Test and the Focus Test in this article help disambiguate. A formal assessment with both ADHD and anxiety instruments is the most reliable route.