Is It Possible To Be A Woman And Have ADHD and Anxiety?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is usually associated with not being able to pay attention, fidgeting, and being disruptive or impulsive. In movies or television shows, it’s often depicted by a young boy being the class clown while in school. The boy is often seen telling jokes, playing pranks on fellow classmates or their own teacher, or disrupting the class in some other way.
This doesn’t mean that women can’t also get ADHD, it’s just not as common. This is mostly due to the fact that ADHD is often undiagnosed in young girls and women. Instead, women are more likely to be diagnosed with signs of anxiety. Is it possible to be a woman and have ADHD and anxiety? Let’s find out!
The Link Between ADHD and Anxiety
As a woman, it is possible to have ADHD as well as anxiety. Although ADHD and anxiety are two completely separate conditions, they can commonly both be seen in individuals. Most of the time, adults who experience ADHD also show signs of anxiety. When individuals experience signs of anxiety along with their ADHD, it can actually lead to worsening symptoms.
The Signs and Symptoms of ADHD and Anxiety
When women have ADHD, they don’t share the same signs and symptoms as what’s commonly recognized in young boys and men. Instead of showing signs of hyperactive or impulsive ADHD, women often have inattentive ADHD instead.
Here are some of the most commons signs and symptoms in women who have ADHD:
Disorganization
Forgetfulness
Indecisiveness
Lack of focus
Overspending
Problems listening
Here are some of the most commons signs and symptoms in women who have anxiety:
Constant worry or fear
Difficulty sleeping
Fatigue
Feeling on edge
Stress
The Differences
You’re probably wondering: if you have anxiety and ADHD, how do you tell the two apart from one another? Great question! Anxiety can be a direct result of ADHD. ADHD makes it difficult for individuals to complete day-to-day tasks. When anxiety starts to creep in on an individual with ADHD, they may show signs of worrying about how much they’re able to get done throughout their day. Anxiety with ADHD means that your anxiety could be directly related to the negative impact your ADHD has on you, or it could just be from other worries or fears you may have in your life.
Treatment Options
One of the best ways to better manage your signs and symptoms of anxiety and ADHD is to reach out for help. A doctor or a licensed and trained mental health professional will be able to work with you to help you determine which condition may be affecting you the most.
One of the first steps is determining where your anxiety may be coming from. Getting help can help you in a number of different ways like drastically reducing your stress levels. When you get the help you need for your ADHD, you will also be able to focus and better manage any tasks on your to-do list in your personal and professional life. When you get a better grasp of your ADHD, you’ll be able to have more energy to focus on handling any signs and symptoms your anxiety may be causing you as well.
Next Steps
Struggling with something like ADHD can be enough of a challenge on its own. When you add another mental health condition like anxiety, it can seem even more uncontrollable. If you’re struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or a combination of the two, help is available to you. You don’t have to continue trying to work with the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing.
You’re not defined by your ADHD or anxiety. Reach out today to set up a consultation.
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