UNDERSTANDING OVERLAP
ADHD or Anxiety: Why Symptoms Can Overlap
Difficulty concentrating does not identify one diagnosis. ADHD and anxiety can look similar, occur together, or be affected by sleep and other health concerns.
Reviewed by Dr. Rilwan Aransi, MD, CCFP · Verra Health Clinic, Edmonton · Last reviewed August 2026
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Eligible insured medical appointments may be covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.
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A balanced comparison
| Area | Questions a clinician may explore |
|---|---|
| Concentration | Is attention difficult across settings, or mainly during worry or threat? |
| Procrastination | Is delay related to task initiation, overwhelm, perfectionism, or fear? |
| Restlessness | Does it feel like lifelong internal drive, anxious arousal, or both? |
| Forgetfulness | Is it longstanding and broad, or mainly during periods of stress and poor sleep? |
| Childhood history | Were similar patterns present before adult responsibilities increased? |
| Functioning | Which areas are affected, and how consistently? |
| Sleep | Could insomnia, irregular schedules, or exhaustion explain attention changes? |
Both can occur together
ADHD and anxiety may co-exist. A physician can help organize the history, assess safety, and discuss whether further assessment or treatment is appropriate. A webpage or symptom test cannot determine the diagnosis.
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