Is It Really Anxiety — or Could It Be ADHD in Disguise?

Do you often feel anxious, distracted, or overwhelmed? These signs might point to anxiety—but they could also mean something else. It could be ADHD hiding in plain sight.

For 28 years, Tia believed she had anxiety. She felt overwhelmed, forgetful, distracted, and constantly shut down under pressure. Doctors and therapists agreed it was anxiety, but none considered ADHD.

That changed when a crisis hit—four major projects, and she couldn’t start any of them. Her primary care doctor, who understood ADHD, sent her for an evaluation. She was finally diagnosed with ADHD, and treatment changed her life.

ADHD in women often gets misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, or OCD. According to research, women with ADHD are missed, partly because symptoms like zoning out, chronic overwhelm, procrastination, and messy environments are misunderstood.

She described how ADHD can include both forgetfulness and hyperfocus, depending on interest. She also highlighted how common anxiety can distract doctors from seeing the ADHD beneath it.

Through her own experience, Tia now helps other women recognize what undiagnosed ADHD looks like — especially when it hides under the label of anxiety.

How to Tell Anxiety and ADHD Apart

Many people who are diagnosed with anxiety also show signs of ADHD—and vice versa. Up to 80% of adults with ADHD have at least one other mental health condition, often including anxiety.

This overlap in symptoms causes confusion, especially because both conditions affect concentration, sleep, and restlessness. But they’re not the same.

Signs of ADHD

ADHD usually shows up as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and forgetfulness. People with ADHD may interrupt others, lose track of things, and struggle to stay organized.

ADHD can show up in many ways, and it often makes everyday tasks harder than they should be. If these signs sound familiar, it might be worth paying attention. This includes:

• You get distracted easily.
• It’s hard to pay attention or stay focused.
• You struggle to keep up in conversations.
• You often forget things, even important ones.
• Staying organized feels nearly impossible.
• You talk a lot, sometimes without meaning to.
• You act on impulse or say things without thinking.
• You’re afraid of failing or being rejected.
• You put off tasks, even when they matter.

Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety, on the other hand, is marked by constant worry, physical tension, and fear—even when there’s no obvious reason for it. Anxiety can affect both your body and mind.

These signs could mean your worry is more than just stress.

• You worry a lot, even about small things.
• You often feel like something bad is about to happen.
• Your heart races when you’re nervous or stressed.
• You might start to shake, sweat, or breathe fast when worried.
• You feel tense or on edge most of the time.
• Your stomach feels upset often, or you deal with nausea or IBS.

Still, the line isn’t always clear. You might struggle to focus at work and think it’s anxiety, when it could actually be ADHD—or both.

Where ADHD and Anxiety May Overlap

Some adults have both disorders at the same time. In these cases, anxiety might be tied to how hard ADHD makes everyday tasks.

That’s why it’s so important to take a closer look at the full picture. ADHD and anxiety can feel very different, but they often share some of the same struggles.

Here’s where they can often overlap:

• You avoid things because you're scared of what might happen.
• You feel deeply hurt or upset when you think someone has rejected you.
• You carry guilt or shame over small, everyday moments.
• You worry a lot about social situations, work, or relationships.
• You get irritated or frustrated more easily than usual.
• You have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

According to research, around 65% of childhood cases continued to show full symptoms by the time they reached their 20s. For some people, anxiety might even hide or mask ADHD symptoms. This can delay the correct diagnosis and the right treatment.

In the end, ADHD and anxiety often go hand in hand, but they are not the same. Being aware of how they overlap—and how they differ—can help people get the support they need.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the difference between ADHD and anxiety matters more than most people realize. One can look like the other, but each needs its own kind of care. Some symptoms overlap, and having both at once can make things harder to untangle.

Still, with the right evaluation and treatment plan, it’s possible to manage both. If you’ve been struggling with focus, worry, or feeling overwhelmed, it’s worth asking deeper questions. The answer might not be what you first thought—but it could be the start of real relief.