Challenge : Anxiety And Adhd
Anxiety is a part of me I cannot deny. My body reacts when my mind slips in to overdrive. I am not a calm and relaxed person, and I never will be.
Traveling used to make me anxious. My husband didnt know what to do. Standing in line at the airport, he looked at me helplessly while I cried uncontrollably. The fear of not having my medication, self-help books, knitting, tech devices, and cords was consuming. The 3 Ps of travel planning, preparing, and packing set off panic alarms the minute our flight reservations were confirmed. Letting go of the details I could not anticipate or control was an emotional test that was too heavy to handle. Years of therapy helped me through, but I can relapse at any time. I now have self-care skills to save me when I do. And sometimes I just sit there and cry.
And If The Symptoms Are From Anxiety
Anxiety comes from a part of the brain called the amygdala. Its a tiny almond-shaped part at the back of the brain and its job is to keep us safe by warning us when there might be danger. When the amygdala senses threat, the brain immediately switches to auto-pilot and initiates the fight or flight response. It hands the bulk of the workload to the more primitive, instinctive, impulsive lower brain . At the same time it organises for the pre-frontal cortex to sit out for a while until the threat has passed. When this happens, behaviour becomes less planned, more instinctive, and more impulsive.
Theres a very good reason for sending the pre-frontal cortex offline when theres an immediate threat. The amygdala doesnt want the pre-frontal cortex to use valuable survival time thinking, planning, deciding it just wants to get you safe. If theres a wild dog with gnarly teeth running at you, theres no time to think about whether it might be lost, angry, hungry or misunderstood, or to imagine how cute it would be if it was wearing one of those cute dog jackets that all the cool dogs are wearing. Your brain just wants you out of there fast.
How Can Adhd Treatment Help My Anxiety
If you want to get to the root of your anxious feelings, you need to treat ADHD and anxiety together. Addressing both sets of symptoms at the same time can look like this:
- Gaining new tools and strategies that use your ADHD symptoms to your advantage so you can get things done
- Communication skills to feel understood more often
- Stress reduction
- Better emotional regulation, self-control, and time management
- CBT for ADHD to improve healthy habits and reduce self-criticism
- ACT for ADHD to unhook from negative self-talk and clarify values
Read Also: How To Manage Autism Meltdowns
Challenge : Adhd Obsessions
My brain processes more thoughts than the average brain. This is not boasting it is fact. Recently, I was talking to a relative about a serious problem we were facing. After I told her my opinion on how we would get through this as a family, she said, Whoa, thats how many thoughts you have about this? Is that what goes on in your mind all the time? It didnt seem like an excessive amount of thinking to me, but when I stepped back from myself, I could see that my thoughts continued long after other peoples thoughts had stopped.
Knowing this about myself, I can say, Thats enough for now. Im going to put it aside for a while. If I need to, I can come back to this problem later. Revisiting a situation is an opportunity to let go, temporarily. Knowing that I can return to the situation later with clearer thoughts is empowering.
Has Adhd Caused Your Anxiety
If you are dealing with anxiety as a result of your ADHD, your anxiety is likely to be triggered by circumstances that your ADHD symptoms impact. For example, you may have anxiety only around exams because your ability to focus and accomplish high results is affected by your ADHD. Doctors will be asking questions that determine if outside of ADHD-related concerns, your outlook is relatively more positive and calm.
Recommended Reading: How Many Levels Of Autism Are There
Can Adhd Lead To Depression Anxiety Issues Need Input
We know that ADHD is related to a dopamine “deficiency”. It’s not really that people with ADHD have less dopamine – but that dopamine that is released by the brain is more quicker to be taken back.
This is why Adderall, Ritalin, and similar medication works by keeping more dopamine and norepinephrine in the system.
In addition to this, a lack of dopamine can lead to depression. I came to this conclusion because many working antidepressants are dopamine reuptake inhibitors, such as wellbutrin. Of course many other antidepressants work by keeping more serotonin in the system, but depression can be a lack of serotonin or dopamine. I don’t know many people who have had success with SSRIs, but wellbutrin definitely.
I have no source of this, but my ADHD also seems to cause me a lot of general anxiety in any situation. Adderall seems to really relieve my anxiety, while it may amplify it in others.
What are you thoughts on my theory? Does anyone else with ADHD suffer from depression, or an anxiety disorder?
Tl dr:
-ADHD caused by less dopamine being active in the brain, making the brain require constant stimulation.
-Lack of dopamine can lead to depression, many successful depression medication works by keeping more dopamine active.
-The constant stimulation required by the brain can lead to anxiety
-ADHD medication works by keeping more dopamine active, as does some antidepressants like wellbutrin
Undiagnosed Add Can Lead To Self
Since most people do not understand what ADD is, including many medical professionals, ADD often goes undiagnosed, prompting many people to self-medicate their related conditions like anxiety and depression. Of those who do consult a professional for their anxiety or depression, many are put on an antidepressant or an anti-anxiety agent , leaving the ADD undiagnosed and untreated.
Ive seen hundreds of adults who have been on an SSRI or benzodiazepine for a decade or longer. Their ADD was never diagnosed. They are underachieving, plodding along, believing this is the best they can do. They feel pretty much like Peggy Lee, who sang, Is That All There Is?
Once these people get the right diagnosis, once they understand that the underlying issue is ADD, once I tell them that they have a ton of talent, its just been buried under the fog of ADD, they cry first and then they get mad and ask, Why didnt someone tell me this sooner? But then they jump for joy. Life, here I come!
Recommended Reading: Can Autism Develop At Age 4
Depression: Coming Out Of The Darkness
About 30 percent of those with ADHD will experience a depressive episode at some time in their lives. Depression can be independent of the ADHD, or it can result from ADHD symptoms. ADHD has a significant impact on the course of depression. Studies always find more depressive symptoms in individuals with ADHD than in their counterparts without ADHD. Increased severity of ADHD symptoms is correlated with higher depressive symptoms. When you have ADHD and depression, the symptoms of both conditions are worse than if you had either disorder alone.
In making a proper diagnosis of depression, your doctor will assess the following criteria, and should make distinctions between depression and your ADHD symptoms.
-PERSISTENT SAD OR IRRITABLE MOOD When a person has ADHD alone, sadness or irritability is context- or environment-specific. Your doctor should find out if you are always feeling sad, or whether there are certain scenarios in which your ADHD symptoms always come to the fore.
-LOSS OF INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES ONCE ENJOYED With ADHD, it is common for someone to enjoy something intensely, and then grow bored with it, moving on to something new and more stimulating. With depression, a person finds no enjoyment in anything.
-PHYSICAL AGITATION OR SLOWING Your doctor will ask if you are feeling agitated or slow, even when engaged in something that interests you. She will want to know if the agitation is environmentally triggered or is something that feels internally caused.
How Are Adhd And Depression Connected
- ADHD can mimic depression
- Depression can occur at the same time as ADHD, but develop independently
- Depression can be caused by ADHD
ADHD and depression share some of the same symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell the two conditions apart. Difficulty focusing or concentrating and restlessness, for example, can be symptoms of both conditions. Sleep disorders and mood changes can also be signs of both conditions.
The confusing overlap in symptoms can result in some people visiting their healthcare provider thinking they have depression when their symptoms are actually caused by ADHD.
About 30 percent of people with ADHD will also develop depression at some point in their lives. Depression can occur independently of ADHD, but in some cases it is thought to be caused by it.
The symptoms of ADHD can also cause depression in some people. ADHD can make a person feel overwhelmed, especially if they feel restless and are struggling to stay focused and organized. This can lead to them experiencing feelings of guilt, sadness, irritability and helplessness and cause them to have low self-confidence.
Recommended Reading: Social Skills For Autistic Teenager
Adhd And Excessive Worrying
Whether ADHD can cause anxiety cannot be answered with a direct yes or no. Besides, we dont wanna get away by concluding any fact with a vague perspective.
According to some medical research, over 60% of ADHD patients have a coexisting condition.
Furthermore, approx 50% of ADHD patients are more likely to have an anxiety disorder.
So, chances are that if you have ADHD, you are prone to anxiety too. However, the experts are yet to find the reason behind their connection.
Also, ADHD misdiagnosed as anxiety is common.
Note: Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh is the best Psychiatrist in Patna, Bihar. Contact him if suffering from any kind of mental illness.
So, how to identify ADHD with anxiety? Read below to know the same.
Why Is It Important To Know About The Links Between Adhd Anxiety And Depression
ADHD is thought to be underdiagnosed in adults. Getting a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD is more complicated when symptoms of anxiety and depression are present.
ADHD can coexist alongside anxiety and depression, or in some instances it can cause these conditions to develop. In other cases, the symptoms of ADHD can simply be confused with those of anxiety or depression, when those conditions arenât actually present.
Having ADHD and another of these conditions can make the symptoms of each one worse, especially if one of the conditions goes untreated. Leaving ADHD untreated puts people at greater risk of poor outcomes and is associated with a greater burden on society.
ADHD impacts quality of life, affecting a personâs ability to find a job and keep it, as well as maintain relationships.
A range of treatment options including medications and therapy can help. Visit your healthcare provider and have them conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms to get the right diagnosis and treatment if you think you have ADHD, anxiety or depression.
Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD may help to prevent depression, anxiety and other psychiatric illnesses. Recognition and treatment of ADHD and comorbid conditions can also lead to improved social functioning, workplace performance, parenting skills and more.
You May Like: How Often Is Autism Diagnosed
How Are Adhd And Anxiety Connected
- ADHD can mimic anxiety
- Anxiety can occur at the same time as ADHD, but develop independently
- Anxiety can be caused by ADHD
ADHD and anxiety also share some of the same symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell the two conditions apart. Restlessness and difficulty relaxing, as well as difficult focusing or concentrating can be symptoms of both anxiety and ADHD.
About 50 percent of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Like with depression, anxiety can develop alongside ADHD or it can be caused by ADHD. ADHD can cause anxiety, for example, when risk-taking behaviors lead to poor outcomes, such as financial problems, problems at work or relationship issues. The impulsiveness associated with ADHD can also lead to negative outcomes that can be overwhelming and lead to anxiety.
The Relationship Between Adhd Depression And Anxiety
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , depression and anxiety are often referred to as comorbid conditions, meaning you can have more than one at the same time. However, this description can be misleading because this suggests that these conditions all occur independently of each other.
“Comorbid conditions are nevertheless usually independent conditions that exist at the same time in a patient. In contrast, depression and anxiety features that occur in patients with ADHD are frequently a direct result of the ADHD and continue to exist only by virtue of untreated symptoms of ADHD,” argues Dr David Feifel in ADHD in Adults: The Invisible Rhinoceros.
While it is possible that for some people, ADHD, depression and anxiety just happen to co-exist, for many people depression and anxiety are directly caused by the negative impact of ADHD in daily life.
Read Also: How To Get Autistic Child To Sleep In Own Bed
Is It Adhd Or Anxiety
The answer to this question was addressed in an illuminating lecture for continuing medical education for physicians by John Waldrup, M.D. from Weill Cornell Medical College at a conference presented by the Nevada Psychiatric Association.
Dr. Waldrup presented the idea that children with anxiety disorders will usually start showing symptoms by 6 to 12 years of age, while being frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Confusing the picture of whether or not it is anxiety or ADHD is the fact that generalized anxiety disorder and inattentive presentation of ADHD clinically show much the same symptoms of inattention, leading to frequent misdiagnosis .
And although both anxiety disorders and ADHD manifest similar symptoms of inattention, there are important distinctions to be made between these two disorders, especially in regards to providing effective treatment for symptoms.
To obtain a clearer picture of the differences between ADHD and anxiety, lets first look at the symptoms of each disorder.
How Undiagnosed Adhd Can Cause Depression And Anxiety
ADHD is commonly diagnosed in school children, but this doesnt mean its a kids disease. There are many adults who develop the disorder after they mature, and others who have unknowingly struggled with the disorder for years but never received a diagnosis.
Like any mental health issue, if left untreated, ADHD can create a personal environment that makes depression and anxiety more likely to strike.
There have been many studies that link untreated ADHD with other mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety. But why does this link exist?
Don’t Miss: How Does Autism Change With Age
Do I Have Adhd Or Am I Just Depressed
Individuals with attention deficit disorder are overwhelmed by the decision to make. People who are depressed arent able to initiate any activity. People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cant sleep. People who are depressed fall asleep quickly, but wake up with a lot of anxiety.
The Correlation Between Adhd Depression And Anxiety
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder . When someone has ADHD, they often find it difficult stay focused on a particular task at hand, or keep still .
Most people think daydreaming and fidgeting are the extent of ADHD. However, ADHD symptoms go way beyond that.
For example, one common, but under-discussed sign of ADHD is emotional disregulation the tendency to overreact to things, such as speaking loudly, or being quick to anger and even tears.
Another one of the major signs of ADHD is executive dysfunction. Executive function is the term used to describe the brains capacity to plan something, focus ones attention on it, and carry out that plan. However, those with ADHD often find this extremely difficult, especially without the help of stimulants. As a result, they often lack followthrough – leaving tasks unfinished, or not attempted at all.
Executive dysfunction also causes problems multitasking, which can lead to issues in school and especially employment later in life. One of the hallmarks of adult ADHD is a spotty work history and repeat terminations of employment.
Living with ADHD can be a very frustrating experience. The majority of people with ADHD struggle with time management and staying organized. The condition is also often ill-understood, with many even questioning its legitimacy as a diagnosis. This can make life both personally and professionally a real struggle.
What Is Depression?
What Is Anxiety?
Getting Help
Also Check: Dating Apps For Autistic Adults
Why Women With Adhd Like Me Get Diagnosed So Late In Adulthood
Trigger Warning: This piece is one writer’s experience with depression and ADHD and includes mentions of suicidal ideation.
When I decided to finally admit to my psychiatrist that I was feeling suicidal, I never expected to walk out with an ADHD diagnosis at 30, but thats what happened.
This particular bout of depression had been a long one, and it had run me ragged. The most basic things had become impossible, and I could feel the building blocks of my life crumbling around me. Even though I was spending full days in bed, I rarely slept. Instead, I lay awake, running through the list of things I should have been doing: deadlines that were looming, errands that needed to be run, friends who needed to be texted back. The longer I stayed in bed, the longer the to-do list grew and the more worthless I felt. The more worthless I felt, the less point I saw in getting up.
I’d told my psychiatrist that I was depressed before, I just hadnt been honest with him about how bad it was and the impact it was having on my life. We’d been treating my depression with a low dose of Prozac and a high dose of hope, and neither was proving very effective. I was terrified to tell him the truth, but I was more terrified of the thoughts that had started to take hold in my brain.
My doctor had an a-ha moment: We needed to talk about ADHD.
When my psychiatrist concluded that all of these pieces added up toADHD, I had mixed feelings.