ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that causes issues with brain functioning, whereas Generalized anxiety disorder causes extreme fear and worry. However, both conditions can coexist and cause extreme distress in daily life activities. Individuals with ADHD are at high risk of developing GAD as compared to those who don’t have ADHD.
This article provides insights about how ADHD and GAD overlap, their difference, how ADHD contributes to GAD, and how severely ADHD affects GAD.
Can ADHD contribute to the development of GAD?
ADHD contributes to GAD in several ways. Such as:
Primary Anxiety
Both GAD and ADHD are genetic disorders, and if any family member has suffered from GAD and ADHD, it may increase the chances of developing both ADHD and GAD at the same time.
Secondary Anxiety:
Individuals with ADHD face many challenges in day-to-day tasks due to hyperactivity, attention, and impulsivity. This may further cause stress and anxiety and lead to GAD.
Early symptoms of ADHD Contribute to GAD
Recent research indicates that early symptoms of ADHD also contribute to anxiety and then further lead to GAD.
How Severely Does ADHD Affect GAD?
Individuals with ADHD and GAD have difficulties in social interactions. The co-occurrence causes severe anxiety and physical problems such as sweating, a racing heartbeat, and more. A recent study suggests that ADHD individuals are at a higher risk of developing GAD.
Furthermore, the increased use of substances with ADHD also severely contributes to severe anxiety.
What Causes The Overlap of ADHD and GAD?
To know the exact cause of co-occurrence, a diagnosis can be made by a healthcare expert. They check the overall history to see whether it is caused by genetic factors or environmental toxins. GAD usually occurs in individuals who have suffered from childhood trauma or physical abuse.
How Do ADHD and GAD Affect An Individual?
General anxiety disorder and ADHD, if they occur together, severely impact and harm the life of a person.
These include:
- Problems and clashes with friends and loved ones.
- Frequently switching jobs.
- Withdrawal from social gatherings.
- Bad performance at work and school.
- Higher risk of developing other mental health disorders.
What Is The Prevalence Rate of Comorbidity of GAD and ADHD?
It’s very common to have both ADHD and GAD at the same time. Individuals with ADHD are at 300% higher risk of developing GAD; the prevalence of GAD is 5.7%. This comorbidity is more common in women instead in men.
Can ADHD Medications Reduce The Symptoms of GAD?
ADHD medication can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. However, if an individual is suffering from GAD but does not have symptoms of ADHD, then ADHD medication may worsen the symptoms of GAD.
Healthcare professionals recommend antidepressants and Stimulants for ADHD. However, antidepressants can be helpful for both ADHD and GAD as well.
What Is The Difference Between ADHD and GAD?
ADHD and Generalized anxiety disorder both have differences in the symptoms.
These include as following:
| ADHD | GAD | |
| Features | Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and lack of concentration. | Extreme worry and physical symptoms. |
| Causes | It is linked to neurodevelopmental changes. | It is related to anxiety, stress, and triggers. |
| Impact | ADHD impacts work, relationships, and academics. | GAD impacts the mood and physical health. |
| Onset age | It develops in childhood. | It can develop at any age. |
| Treatment | ADHD can be treated through medication and medications. | GAD can be treated by psychotherapy and medications. |
What Medications Are Helpful For Treating The Comorbidity of ADHD and GAD?
Your healthcare expert suggests stimulant medications and sees how they react, but there is are possibility that stimulants may worsen your symptoms of GAD. If stimulants don’t work well for you, they may suggest antidepressants and non-stimulant medications.
These include:
- Wellbutrin
- Strattera
- Qelbree
- Desipramine
- Imipramine
- Nortriptyline
- Zoloft
What Therapies Are Available for The Treatment of ADHD and GAD?
Therapies are helpful for individuals suffering from the comorbidity of ADHD and GAD. These include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Individuals with GAD excessively worry about everything. CBT helps in managing those negative thoughts. On the other hand, individuals with ADHD have problems managing impulsivity and hyperactivity. CBT helps in managing stress and reducing those symptoms.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy:
ACT can be helpful for both ADHD and GAD, as it reduces the symptoms of anxiety, impulsivity, and problems related to behavior. Moreover, it helps in managing emotions and thoughts in individuals with GAD.
Lifestyle Changes
Individuals navigating the challenges of ADHD and GAD can get help by following these lifestyle changes.
- Regular exercise
- Nutritious diet
- Regular sleep cycle
- meditation, yoga
- Limiting screen time
- Maintaining social connections
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Mental well-being is a very important aspect of living a healthy life. We understand how a person with mental health issues faces challenges every day.
At Brain Power Wellness Institute, we have a team of experts who provide careful and comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and offer personalized treatment plans according to your needs. We are not just treating mental health issues but building foundations for better cognitive abilities.
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Final Remarks
ADHD and GAD are two separate mental health disorders that usually coexist; the symptoms can be seen in childhood. Individuals with ADHD are at high risk of developing GAD as compared to others. The symptoms of GAD are extreme worry and stress; however, ADHD is categorized into impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The symptoms of GAD and ADHD can be reduced by taking a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and therapeutic approaches.
