In the US, people frequently go through various mental health conditions in most of the cases of ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). It may also be found in people dealing with anxiety, stress, etc with ADHD which leads to various serious side effects. symptoms of both mental disorders are the same, but these can have a direct or indirect effect on the concentration and relaxation of an individual in certain situations. This blog mainly focuses on the comparison Anxiety vs ADHD that helps you to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments of both disorders.
So, let’s start the blog!
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) commonly begins from the childhood, but may remain till adulthood in some people. ADHD is usually a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring in childhood.
Impulsive behavior, trouble paying attention, talkativeness, fidgeting, interruption in conversation, etc. are the signs of ADHD in children and adults.
What is Anxiety?
It is a stressful situation in which an individual suffers from a feeling of fear, uneasiness, nervousness, etc.
Anxiety can affect people in many ways, but sometimes, it affects such individuals for a long time. It may cause anxiety disorder in them as well.
Comparison: Anxiety vs ADHD
Anxiety disorder is not an ADHD, but both of these psychological conditions can occur together in most persons. Anxiety can occur because of any major or minor problem in the daily life of the person. On the other hand, it may happen with people living with ADHD.
An individual suffering from ADHD can easily become stressful and worried from his/her daily life. If a person forgets anything from the routine, it may lead to anxiety disorder.
ADHD may also pass to children through their family members. Medications which are used to treat ADHD condition can cause anxiety disorder. Fear, stress, and problem in concentration are caused by both disorders.
Causes of ADHD
There are also a few other reasons ADHD occurring in people, such as:
- Premature delivery
- During pregnancy use of excessive alcohol and tobacco
- Brain health problems
Causes of Anxiety
There are many reasons for anxiety in people.
Common causes for anxiety are listed below:
- Stress from school and office
- Financial problems
- Stress caused from medications or their side effects
- Emotional trauma
- Excess intake of alcohol and drugs
Symptoms of Anxiety vs ADHD
Physical and mental symptoms can be seen in people who are suffering from anxiety and ADHD. These are as follows:
- Sleep disorder (insomnia)
- Feeling of nervousness
- Difficulty in concentration
Here are some common symptoms of ADHD:
- Fidgeting
- Impulsivity
- Interruption in conversation of people
- Not listening to anyone
- Creating trouble for others
- Unable to focus
- Slow when working
- Irritating behavior or argumentative
- Restless feeling
- Not following any instructions
But, there are also few symptoms of anxiety, these are as follows:
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Pain in body parts
- Feeling of restlessness
- Difficulty while sleeping
- Stomach ache or digestive issues
- Worried
Treatment for Anxiety and ADHD:
A proper treatment of any disease is very important. People should take proper medication, therapy and other ways to get rid from the disease.
Below are the common treatments for ADHD and anxiety.
1) Medical Treatment
You should take prescribed medicines after consulting with your healthcare expert. Few medications can cause the symptoms of anxiety, but you should consider taking anti-anxiety medication in order to avoid serious side effects.
These are certain medicines that are used to treat ADHD. Medications which are used for treating ADHD in people are as follows:
- Guanfacine
- Adderall
- Dexamfetamine
- Methylphenidate
- Atomoxetine
- Lisdexamfetamine
On the other hand, medications which are used for treating anxiety in individuals are mentioned below:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro).
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
2) Calming Therapy Technique
Therapy technique can be helpful for people who are suffering from anxiety and ADHD conditions.
Relaxation technique:
This technique helps you in various situations of reducing anxiety and stress such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, muscles relaxation techniques etc. These practices aid you to calm and relax your mind and body, too.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT):
This therapy is mostly used for treating anxiety disorders in patients. CBT can show positive results in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It helps people to change their thinking and behavior patterns.
3) Alternate Ways
There are also some other ways which will help to treat anxiety and ADHD other than medicines and therapy techniques. Some of these ways include:
Regular Physical Exercise:
You should exercise regularly for being fit and fine. Exercise will help you avoid the problem of muscles being stiff. By doing exercises daily, your body will improve over time.
Healthy Diet:
Try to eat a healthy and well-balanced food. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and drug because excessive use of these can increase the problem of anxiety and stress.
Proper Sleep:
Feeling of tiredness can make people anxious. Anxiety in people can lead to sleep disturbance. People should take proper sleep at night for 7 to 9 hours. This practice will help you reduce anxiety or lower its risk.
Conclusion
Although both anxiety and ADHD are similar, however, an individual experiences different symptoms. People who are suffering from ADHD will show impulsive behavior and hyperactivity, at the same time, persons with anxiety experience panic attacks.
Both the conditions are not good for any individual. We hope the above-mentioned remedies, treatments, and medications will help you find a good solution for improving one’s health. However, before relying on any medications or treatments, one must consult with a healthcare expert.