When adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety coexist, it can impair a person's ability to perform daily tasks and function well in day-to-day life. For many, these impairments go largely undiagnosed, despite the fact that approximately half of all adults with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). With proper diagnosis and treatment, many adults learn to successfully manage both conditions and are able to lead happy and productive lives.
Identification
When two mental health conditions exist side by side, they are considered comorbid. ADDitudemag.com reports that comorbid conditions will not resolve themselves on their own. Instead, comorbid ADHD and anxiety disorders require specific treatment for both conditions.
Diagnosis
Comorbid mental health conditions like ADD and anxiety often have overlapping symptoms, making accurate diagnosis difficult. In order to make a proper diagnosis, a mental health practitioner will need to consider a patient's personal history and self-reported symptoms in addition to conducting an interview and making observations. A series of mental health tests will also be performed in order to arrive at a complete diagnosis.
Medication Options
When anxiety and ADHD exist together, many doctors will prescribe medication for both conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are most effective in dealing with symptoms of anxiety and have been used in conjunction with ADHD meds. Well-known anxiety medications include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Luvox and Celexa. Popular ADHD meds include Concerta, Ritalin and Focalin.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Many mental health professionals recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, in addition to medication when treating comorbid ADD and anxiety. When creating a behavioral therapy plan, the ADAA website states that a health professional should focus first on the disorder whose symptoms cause the greatest amount of daily impairment. Once this condition is somewhat under control, the practitioner can then begin to address the second condition.
Secondary Anxiety Considerations
In many cases, conditions like anxiety are secondary to ADD, according to the ADDitudemag.com website. This means that they are likely triggered by the frustration that accompanies years of living with unrecognized or undiagnosed ADD symptoms. The website points out that there are many instances when the proper diagnosis and treatment of ADD leads to secondary problems such as anxiety resolving on their own.
