ADHD and Anxiety Disorders - Looking For Similarities

It may or may not come as a surprise that ADHD and anxiety disorders have a number of similarities. On the other hand they have their differences as well. In this informational article "ADHD and Anxiety - Looking for Similarities" we will first review attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and then explore the similarities between these two very common conditions.

ADHD is a biological disorder of the brain involving the neurotransmitter hormones dopamine and norepinephrine. The primary symptoms of ADHD are the inability to focus, inability to control impulsive behaviors and emotions, and hyperactivity or restlessness. Adults with the condition have a low threshold for frustration and may become irritated easily. A person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be considered a "daydreamer" or experience problems with short term memory and be thought of as forgetful. Due to the fact that this condition is at least, in some part biological, willpower alone will not be enough to counteract the disorder.

Part of the reason attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is so difficult to diagnose is because the primary symptoms of inattention, distraction, impulsivity, and restlessness/hyperactivity are so widely seen in other condition such as anxiety disorders. 

If a person has an anxiety disorder chances are they have a considerable, relentless fear or concern that occupies their mind and may be difficult if not impossible to control. Anxiety disorders can be sliced and diced into numerous different categories but the three that most closely resemble ADHD are:

*Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): GAD is a disorder characterized by a large number of unmanageable worries that don't go away by themselves and last for a minimum or six months. The worries causing this condition are almost always numerous and broad in scope.

*Social Phobia: Have you ever known anyone who was scared stiff to interact with others because of the fear of embarrassment. This person very well may be struggling with social phobia.

*Specific Phobia: A specific phobia zeros in on one particular source of extreme anxiety. Examples would be fear of heights, fear of spiders, or fear of germs. 

Looking for similarities

First there seems to be a biological similarity with the brain messenger dopamine. Next many people with these forms of anxiety disorders experience symptoms which are very much like those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder such as hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsivity, excessive talking, disorganized thinking, irritability, sleep problems, and forgetfulness.

Looking at the similarities of ADHD and anxiety disorder may make you ponder as to how they could ever be diagnosed separately. The big difference in the two is that while the symptoms may be the same most anxiety disorder come on rapidly and dissipate rapidly with the exception of generalized anxiety disorder. For this reason it is not unusual to get a dual diagnosis of GAD and ADHD. 

Another notable similarity is that many people with ADHD also have at least some mild anxiety. It is unclear whether the anxiety is brought about by the condition or whether it coexists on its own with the condition.  

In summary, it appears that ADHD and anxiety are closely linked both from a biological point of view and a symptomatic viewpoint. There are many ways to treat these conditions but one of the most popular natural options is homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies for ADHD have been shown to be a safe and effective way to improve focus, reduce impulsive behaviors, and dampen hyperactive behavior naturally. They are safe for all ages and are an option worth considering.