At a Glance
“Is this ADHD, or anxiety?”
ADHD and anxiety can present in overlapping ways, particularly in adulthood, where patterns of attention, restlessness, and mental overwhelm are not always straightforward to interpret. Although these experiences may feel similar, they arise from different underlying processes, and understanding what is driving them can be an important step toward finding the right support.
Understanding ADHD and Anxiety
ADHD and anxiety are often spoken about together, yet they reflect different underlying mechanisms. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention regulation, executive functioning, and impulse control. It is typically long-standing, with patterns often present from childhood, even if they were not recognised at the time.
Anxiety, by contrast, is driven by worry, fear, and a heightened sensitivity to perceived threat. It may develop at different stages of life and is often shaped by stress, life experiences, or internal pressures. While both can lead to difficulties with concentration and a sense of mental overload, the reasons behind these experiences tend to differ. Anxiety therapy and ADHD-focused support address these patterns in very different ways.
I am Dr Sonney Gullu-McPhee, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist (HCPC & BPS registered) with postdoctoral training in the assessment and management of ADHD, alongside Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, EMDR, and other evidence-based approaches. In my work, I often see how these patterns can be misunderstood, particularly when they overlap.
How Attention and Focus Differ in ADHD and Anxiety
One of the most noticeable shared difficulties is concentration. Many individuals describe struggling to stay focused, feeling distracted, or unable to sustain attention for long periods.
In ADHD, attention tends to be inconsistent. A person may focus deeply on something that feels engaging or stimulating yet find it difficult to maintain attention on routine or less interesting tasks.
In anxiety, attention is often disrupted by worry. The mind can feel preoccupied or crowded with thoughts, making it difficult to remain present or fully engaged in the task at hand.
Restlessness and Mental Activity
Restlessness is another experience that can appear similar but feel quite different internally.
In ADHD, restlessness is often linked to a need for stimulation. Slow or repetitive tasks can feel uncomfortable, leading to a sense of internal agitation or boredom.
In anxiety, restlessness is more commonly associated with tension or unease. It may come with a sense of being on edge, as if something needs attention or might go wrong, even when there is no immediate threat.
Thought Patterns
The nature of thoughts can offer further insight into what may be driving the experience.
In ADHD, thoughts often centre around difficulty initiating or completing tasks. Individuals may find themselves thinking, “I need to start this but I just can’t,” or “I’ve forgotten something again,” often accompanied by frustration.
In anxiety, thoughts tend to be more future-focused and concern potential negative outcomes. These might include worries such as “What if something goes wrong?” or “I might not be able to cope.”
While both types of thoughts can occur together, their focus and emotional tone can differ.
Timing and Life History
Understanding when these patterns began is often an important part of making sense of them.
ADHD is usually long-standing, with patterns that can often be traced back to earlier life, even if they were subtle or overlooked at the time.
Anxiety may develop later and can fluctuate depending on life circumstances, stress levels, or internal pressures. Looking at the timeline of these experiences can help clarify whether the difficulties reflect a lifelong pattern or something that has developed more recently.
When ADHD and Anxiety Overlap
In practice, it is often not a simple distinction. Many individuals experience both ADHD and anxiety, and each can influence the other.
Long-standing difficulties with organisation, time management, or follow-through can lead to increased stress and self-doubt, which may gradually develop into anxiety. At the same time, high levels of anxiety can affect concentration and create difficulties that resemble ADHD.
This overlap can make it difficult to determine what is driving the experience without a more structured and comprehensive assessment. Exploring the full range of difficulties therapy can support often helps people see how interconnected these experiences really are.
Why the Right Understanding Matters
When ADHD is not recognised, individuals may continue to struggle despite making significant efforts to improve. They may feel as though they are constantly working harder than others just to manage everyday demands, often leading to frustration and self-criticism.
When anxiety is not addressed, emotional distress may remain high, and a sense of ongoing overwhelm can persist.
A clearer understanding allows for more targeted and effective support, helping to address the underlying cause rather than just the surface-level symptoms.
When to Consider an ADHD Assessment
For some individuals, there comes a point where it feels important to explore this more formally. This may be when patterns have been present for many years, when anxiety has been addressed but something still feels unresolved, or when everyday tasks such as organisation and time management feel consistently more effortful than expected.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment can help clarify whether ADHD, anxiety, or both may be contributing to your experience.
ADHD Assessments and Psychological Support in Petersfield
In my practice, I provide comprehensive ADHD assessments in Petersfield for adults aged 17 and over. These assessments involve exploring developmental history, current patterns of attention and functioning, and the role of overlapping difficulties such as anxiety. The aim is to develop a clear and thoughtful understanding of what has been shaping your experience.
Alongside assessment, I also offer psychological therapy for individuals experiencing challenges with attention, emotional regulation, and everyday functioning. Therapy provides a space to explore these patterns, develop practical strategies, and build a more supportive and compassionate way of relating to yourself.
A Compassionate Perspective
Many adults describe a sense of having tried to manage these difficulties for years, often believing they reflect a personal failing. These patterns are often understandable responses shaped by how the brain regulates attention, emotion, and stress.
Whether the underlying difficulty is ADHD, anxiety, or both, understanding the cause can be an important step toward a more manageable and sustainable way forward.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation
If you recognise aspects of your experience in this article, you may find it helpful to explore this further. I offer a free 15-minute consultation, where we can briefly discuss your experiences and consider whether an ADHD assessment or therapy pathway may be appropriate. This also provides an opportunity to see whether working together would feel like a good fit.
I offer in-person sessions in Petersfield, Hampshire, as well as online sessions across the UK. Get in touch to book your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have ADHD or anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety share overlapping features such as difficulty concentrating and a sense of mental overload, but they arise from different underlying mechanisms. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition typically present from childhood, whereas anxiety is driven by worry and heightened threat sensitivity and can develop at any point. A comprehensive ADHD assessment with a clinical psychologist in Hampshire is the clearest way to understand which is contributing to your experience, or whether both are.
Can you have both ADHD and anxiety at the same time?
Yes. Many adults experience both, and each can influence the other. Long-standing ADHD-related difficulties often contribute to anxiety over time, and high anxiety can disrupt attention in ways that resemble ADHD. A structured assessment helps clarify what is driving each part of your experience so support can be targeted appropriately.
What does an ADHD assessment in Petersfield involve?
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically includes a detailed developmental history, structured clinical interviews, validated screening tools, and careful exploration of current attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation patterns. It also considers overlapping difficulties such as anxiety, so the formulation is accurate and clinically meaningful.
Do you offer online ADHD support across the UK?
Yes. Alongside in-person sessions in Petersfield, Hampshire, I offer online assessment and therapy sessions across the UK. Online sessions follow the same structured clinical process and are equally effective for many adults exploring ADHD, anxiety, or both.
Should I address my anxiety first before exploring ADHD?
Not necessarily. Where ADHD is a long-standing underlying driver, focusing only on anxiety may leave important patterns unaddressed. A thorough assessment can help identify whether ADHD is contributing and whether a combined approach would be more supportive. For many adults, understanding both together leads to more sustainable change.