Question: Can anxiety be a symptom of ADHD?
WARNING. REALLY LONG QUESTION. IF YOU ARE AFRAID OF THE LENGTH AND DON'T WANT TO READ IT, DON'T, IT'S SUPERFLUOUS, BUT PLEASE ANSWER JUST THE SHORT QUESTION UP THERE ^^^
I've found a lot of literature about the correlation between anxiety disorders and ADHD, but nothing that says that mild anxiety is a symptom of Attention Deficit.
I looked through all the anxiety disorder symptoms to see if I had them, and I honestly don't think I have an anxiety disorder, but I DEFINITELY do have more anxiety than everyone else I know.
Usually, anxiety comes with pressure and caring a lot about something, and I know that is true for most people. It REALLY affects me though. For example, I'm 19 now, and I don't have my driver's license. Why? Well, I got a hundred on the written permit test, but failed the written part of the license test- after I'd taken driver's ed and was fully knowledgeable. I was crying and shaking the whole time I took it, and could hardly think. Since I left the DMV, I haven't gone back because I am absolutely terrified of that test, and stepping into the waiting room causes the same feeling I had when I took it the first time.
That kind of thing only happens to me with things that I make too big of a deal out of in my head beforehand, then I just fall apart when I have to actually do it. Just failed a huge math test. joy.
In my everyday life though, I'm always WAY more cautious than my other teenage friends, just because I'm worried that not necessarily the worst outcome will happen, but something bad. I am literally afraid of everything new because I don't know what it will do to me, and I have to research something thoroughly before I decide to do it.
Now, I realize that that sounds like I'm kinda crazy, but I swear, I totally function in everyday life, I'm just the responsible, non-impulsive one.
Going back to ADHD I realize that not being impulsive is opposite of what ADHD is supposed to be, but I know that I have it and I have had it all my life, I've been tested several times and prescribed many a medication, so please don't say I think you don't have it. I think my anxiety is a symptom because excessive worrying is a symptom of my insomnia that is caused by my ADHD, and I think that when my mind gets any unstimulated time it starts to hyperfocus on things that worry me.
Does that make any sense? I don't know how well I worded that.
ANYWAY. You can just answer the short question at the top, or help me self diagnose and sort out my mind a little before I see my doctor again :D
Relation Questions:
Answer:
First of all, lets settle things in the RIGHT perspective.
U CANNOT self-diagnose ANXIETY or ADHD..U just cannot..end of story.
However u say u have been diagnosed with ADHD and on medication..
The drivers test thing u went thru with the anxiety is quite NORMAL.
..
U certainly are though a REALcandidate for OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
THAT has allowed a little Anxiety Neurosis to sink in..
SO whilst I did say U cannot self-diagnose Anxiety..U certainly show REAL signs of it.
U must though be experiencing other strange feelings that make no sense to u and scare the hell out of u that they might be medical??
If u don't have those "feelings" Rule OUT Anxiety.
BUT, the FACT that U have been using the INTERNET to seek answers as to what U may have is a definite symptom in itself of Anxiety..
NOTE: and regardless of what U have READ or HEARD or been TOLD/..
Anxiety is NOT a medical or mental problem BUT a Behavioural Pattern Disorder.
Many Doctors (md's) are not up to date with anxiety and treat it as general or as a Depression issue when it is NOT. Hence antidepressants get prescribed when they should NOT have been.
With ADHD..anxiety may be confused with it..they Dont' necessarily and usually do not..go hand in hand. ADHD is a mental illness (but medication wise can be controlled)
and anxiety is NOT.
I suggest that anxiety is NOT present as >>"real anxiety" but rather the medication u are on is causing the feelings U have.
Re-consult the doctor and maybe change medications.
Please read my Answer carefully and do NOT misintrepret it.
I dont think U are a classic anxiety sufferer BUT the medication/the Internet searching and the Adhd combined,ARE causing some anxiety type symptoms in U.
Including the Insommnia..(which should in time, Pass.)
AND: U should know or have been told that the type of anxiety U feel from time to time (including the anger) is the result of the ADHD..so STOP reading up all this stuff on the Internet. With ADHD it >>WILL get U very confused.
I have also given U a lengthy reply..and I do hope it assists U..Good Luck
Predominantly inattentive type symptoms may include:
* Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
* Have difficulty maintaining focus on one task
* Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable
* Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new or trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities
* Not seem to listen when spoken to
* Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
* Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
* Struggle to follow instructions.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type symptoms may include
* Fidget and squirm in their seats
* Talk nonstop
* Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
* Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
* Be constantly in motion
* Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.