ADHD & Anxiety in Kids & Adults

[MrsRoryFromRunrig 13]

ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can give you symptoms of anxiety.

Between 25 and 35 per cent of ADHD children also have an anxiety disorder, however, anxiety affects only 5 to 15 per cent of children in the UK.

In some cases it’s clear that a child has symptoms other than pure ADHD, and parents, teachers or a medical expert will pick up on these. For example, in noticing apprehension, extreme worry or trembling. Recognition of ADHD may come after you/your child expresses how they're feeling, eg during the assessment consultation or follow up visits, when questioned about progress in school, family and peer relationships etc.

There are some occasions where it can be hard to detect an anxiety disorder that co-exists with ADHD, because the type of symptoms may overlap. If this is the case, diagnosis may be gradual as other symptoms are treated and your child’s behaviour is monitored over time.

In general, children with ADHD and anxiety are said to find life more stressful than those who just have ADHD. They’re also more likely to have greater problems at school and in social situations.

However, having an anxiety disorder alongside ADHD can sometimes affect how children react to their ADHD medication, particularly stimulants, these findings have not been conclusive however. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD can also be affected by anxiety with their condition. Like with children, a medical expert will diagnose this (GP, Psychologist), however, there is more treatment available to adults who have ADHD and anxiety.

I myself have ADHD and anxiety, making life difficult for myself, I am stressed so easily and reactions etc are alot weaker.

[kinser 3]

My son is ADD - he has never been hyperactive (hence the missing "H"), but has always had trouble focusing, especially in a group setting. He is 13 and has struggled with school since the beginning. He also has a learning disability, so it's twice as hard for him, and I think the frustration prevents him from wanting to try any harder than he does. He does take medication (Concerta), but I haven't noticed a big difference in his grades since he started it a couple of months ago. Anyone here struggle with same issues and have suggestions or advice? I'd love to hear from adults who have had these issues - I need to be reassured that there is hope for him regarding a successful future! It worries me that he struggles so hard with school

[MrsRoryFromRunrig 13]

I understand where you are coming from, I have ADD as well, my mum was pulling her hair out when I was in school, but I was diagnosed late, I was 14 and my education had already suffered, so cause of this I left school with no qualifications etc....

Only thing I could suggest is keep pushing towards the school for more help... for the medicatoin to take affect the school needs to work with it also, in my case the school did naff all , I hope your son gets the support @ school to help him achieve... and remember us ADD sufferers are brainy folks its just the support that lacks x

[Miserable 1]

Kinser,

I was first diagnosed with anxiety and panic in my early 20's, which is why I believe many of the Drs. I saw did not give much thought to ADHD. Even as my suspicions grew they really just skimmed over the idea. I had a few quick tests that did indicate ADHD symptoms.... nothing was done about it. Then I found a wonderful Dr. who really listened and put me through a VERY extensive test. We discovered I had a very severe case of ADHD. As I mentioned in another post, a good aggressive Dr., a therapist specializing in ADD/ADHD and good peer support (as in maybe some good support groups with children his age) are key in learning new and different approaches to working with and around the symptoms he suffers from. It does take time and conditioning, but it is possible. He is young which makes learning and reconditioning a great deal easier than for an adult who is so much more "stuck in their way".

He will be in my thoughts, and I will watching for some updates to see how things are going!!

[sam2391 1]

I have been searching the net for some time now for some form of help and support of groups where i am able to talk with other parents or even people that suffer with adhd/ anxiety.  I am currently going through assessments with my son in regards to adhd/ autism, I spoke with the professional who is dealing with his assessments and she explained that threw the information i have given her that he is floating around on the spectrum she wants to focus more on adhd as he is high on her list for this. Meantime as much as this is all good but fighting it on a daily basis can often come across hard as when he has bad days there are really bad, I have tried to get into contact with the person who is dealing with his case but unfortunately not able to get hold of her. I was wondering if anyone else has a child who is either on the spectrum or is being assessed and what they are dealing with at this current moment in time. I feel so alone and need to talk with other people as I don't feel my friends understand what I am going threw

[jonathan123 2367]

Hi. sam. Welcome to AC. .

My goodness, this is a difficult time for you. I suggest no one has responded because it's not something we normally hear about on this site. As in anxiety it's so difficult to communicate any of the feelings involved to non sufferers. Also ADHD covers a whole spectrum of anxiety problems. Is there no group where you are that can help? I imagine not or you would have gone there. It's very important to talk to and be with fellow sufferers. You get ideas and gain knowledge that way. I am truly sorry you waited so long for a reply to your post. I hope someone can reply and be more helpful than me. However, if you want to talk or vent or just unload we are here. We all know from experience what it's like to be misunderstood, don't we just!  It may be that's someone will reply with the necessary experience, so keep looking now and then. I wish you well and hope the future is better and less fraught.     Best wishes.      Jon.

[Kylie21 357]

Hello sam welcome.. I do not have experience with this but I am a parent. And to see your child going through something and trying to figure it out and get them help is so stressful... on the child on us as parents. Have you tried to talk to the drs to see if they know any one that can help in terms of a support group?

Or even a therapist who speicalizes in that? just to get perspective and help. You are putting your child first to help and just remember not to neglect urself so you can handle it as well. Wish you and your child the best of luck and I hope they can get some answers to help you guys

[ehof03 (eli) 0]

i have ADHD and it is really hard at school. if it wasn't for my parents i would be very lonely. i feel like my mom and dad are the only ones who cares in my family of seven. my family of seven i have two older sisters and one of them is bipolar so my parents focus their attention on her, but then i have two younger brothers and it is hard to hear that both you younger brothers are cooler than you. i just wish people could like me for me.