Is it ADHD or anxiety? Why these complex conditions often get confused
ADHD and anxiety often coexist, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Experts emphasize the importance of professional evaluation to distinguish between the two conditions, as their symptoms can overlap. Increased awareness has led to more individuals, particularly women, being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, sometimes after years of misattributing symptoms to anxiety.
- ▪An estimated 20 to 30 percent of individuals with ADHD also experience anxiety.
- ▪ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder present from birth, while anxiety typically develops later.
- ▪Symptoms of anxiety can exacerbate ADHD, leading to increased distraction and disorganization.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.