How Do ADHD and Anxiety Look Different in Women?

ADHD and anxiety don’t discriminate between men and women. They are conditions that can impact anyone. However, that doesn’t mean they always look the same. Additionally, these two specific conditions can often have overlapping symptoms, which sometimes makes it difficult for women to get a proper diagnosis. 

Thankfully, there are some key differences. 

Let’s take a look at how ADHD and anxiety look different in women, and what you can do if you think you’re dealing with either condition. 

An Increase in Anxiety Caused by ADHD

Women with ADHD are often more likely to experience other mental health issues, including anxiety. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. It’s not uncommon for ADHD to cause excessive worry in women. You might struggle with fears about finances, getting things done, your relationships, or your career. 

One way to tell the difference is to look at the source. Anxiety is often fueled by the unknown. Additionally, your fears might not line up with what’s actually real. Rather, it’s likely your mind is creating scary scenarios. 

Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety and ADHD

It might seem like a stereotype to suggest that women are more emotional. But, for these two conditions, emotional symptoms are some of the most prominent. Women with anxiety often deal with sudden fears, obsessive thoughts, and irritability. They also might express their emotions in more extreme ways, such as crying more often or having angry outbursts. 

Women with ADHD can quickly become very hard on themselves. Maybe you struggle to keep healthy relationships, or you have difficulties at work because of your disorder. That can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and irritability. You might even struggle with guilt or shame, which can lead to self-harm. 

Challenges in Social Settings

Anxiety can cause you to isolate yourself, even from people you care about. Your fears might become so extreme that it’s difficult to interact with people, especially in new or unfamiliar settings. You might start to evaluate all the potential “what ifs” of a social situation. 

Anxiety can also cause you to doubt yourself. You might start to worry that people think negatively of you, so you feel like it’s better to stay away. Unfortunately, that can also be a symptom of ADHD. If you’re frustrated with your symptoms, you might assume others are, too. So, you tend to avoid much interaction. You might also have a hard time making new friends. 

The difference between social challenges and these disorders is the cause. Again, anxiety stems from fear. Women with ADHD often face social issues because of more common ADHD symptoms, like time management, distractions, or forgetfulness. 

Getting the Right Diagnosis

Because of the similarities between ADHD and anxiety in women, they are often misdiagnosed. That can be an even bigger issue for women, as girls aren’t as likely as boys to be diagnosed with ADHD as children, even if they’re presenting symptoms. 

With that in mind, it’s essential to pay attention to some of the key differences between these two disorders. While they certainly have some similarities and overlapping symptoms, take a look at the root cause of your feelings and behaviors. Do they come from fear and uncertainty, or something else? 

If you’re still having trouble determining whether you’re dealing with anxiety, ADHD, or both, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The good news is that both disorders are often very manageable with the right treatment plan in place. That typically includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both. 

Don’t let stereotypes, stigmas, or misdiagnoses keep you from getting the help you deserve. Feel free to contact me for more information or to set up an appointment for anxiety counseling.