Anxiety and ADHD can overlap – here’s how to untangle these widespread mental health disorders

For many adults, anxiety may be the only visible symptom. When it fades, underlying ADHD, which may have been masked for years, finally becomes clear.

By: Deldhy Nicolás Moya Sánchez, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 16, 2026

Words: 1,582

Last Updated: 4 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Deldhy Nicolás Moya Sánchez, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

For decades, one of the greatest challenges to treating neurological disorders like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is that its symptoms often resemble those of several other conditions. Overlapping disorders are extremely common when it comes to neurological diagnoses.

A child who struggles to sit still, focus or complete tasks could have ADHD, anxiety, a learning disability or simply be reacting to stress at home. A …

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