Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common brain-based condition that affects how people focus, stay still and manage their emotions. About 1 in 9 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ADHD, and many continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
It’s more commonly diagnosed in boys, but that doesn’t mean girls don’t have it. ADHD can show up differently in girls, sometimes through daydreaming or quiet inattention instead of hyperactivity.
At least half all people with ADHD also have another mental health condition, like anxiety, depression or a learning disorder. That’s why understanding ADHD and how it may overlap with other conditions is so essential.
5 symptoms of ADHD and how they can overlap with other conditions
ADHD doesn’t look the same in everyone. Some people struggle more with attention, others with hyperactivity or impulsiveness and many experience both. Here are five common symptoms and the conditions they can overlap with:
Inattention and difficulty concentrating
This may show up as trouble staying focused on tasks, being easily distracted or frequently losing things. While these are classic ADHD signs, they can also be big red flags for anxiety.
When you’re anxious, your mind races, making it hard to concentrate on anything else. You may also be so worried about making mistakes that you avoid tasks, which can look like inattention.
Restlessness and impulsivity
This could mean constantly fidgeting, feeling an inner need to move, interrupting others or making quick decisions without thinking them through. These symptoms can definitely point to ADHD. However, feeling restless and on edge can also be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Similarly, impulsive behaviors, especially in social situations or when dealing with strong emotions, can be seen in borderline personality disorder, where emotional ups and downs can lead to impulsive actions.
Emotional dysregulation
This refers to difficulty managing and expressing emotions appropriately. You may experience intense mood changes, get frustrated easily or have trouble calming down after you get upset.
Emotional dysregulation is now widely seen as a key feature of ADHD, but it’s also a big feature of anxiety and bipolar disorder. In bipolar disorder, people have extreme shifts in mood, from periods of high energy and elevated mood, or mania, to periods of deep sadness or depression.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is more than just being overly energetic. It can involve constant movement, fidgeting, talking excessively or feeling a persistent need for activity.
While this is a classic ADHD symptom, especially in children, it can also resemble a manic episode of bipolar disorder. During a manic episode, people can have boundless energy, may talk very quickly and engage in impulsive or risky behaviors.
Social interaction difficulties
People with ADHD may struggle with social cues, interrupt conversations or have trouble waiting their turn. This can lead to challenges in friendships and relationships. These difficulties can also be a significant part of autism spectrum disorder.
People on the autism spectrum may experience differences in how they communicate in social interactions, and may struggle with understanding nonverbal cues or engaging in typical back-and-forth conversations.
Conditions that mimic or co-occur with ADHD
Because ADHD symptoms can overlap with other mental health or developmental conditions, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Here are some conditions that can mimic or happen alongside ADHD:
- Anxiety disorders
- Learning disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Sleep disorders
- Trauma and PTSD
- Sensory processing disorder
- Depression
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Intermittent explosive disorder
Why a professional evaluation matters
Due to the overlap in symptoms with so many conditions, you can see why self-diagnosing ADHD or any other mental health condition can be tricky. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that are impacting daily life, the most important step is to seek a professional evaluation.
A qualified health care professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologist, can do a comprehensive assessment. A proper diagnosis is essential because it leads you to the right support and treatment plan. This may include medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments or a combination of approaches tailored to your specific needs.
Guidelight is here to help
Living with ADHD can be challenging, but with the right support, people with ADHD can thrive in school, at work and in their relationships. Understanding the symptoms and how they may overlap with other conditions is an important part of that journey.
At Guidelight Health, we support individuals struggling with ADHD as well as secondary mental health conditions that often occur alongside it, such as anxiety, depression, trauma and mood disorders. Our compassionate team creates personalized care plans designed to meet your unique needs, helping you or your loved one build confidence, emotional balance and a better quality of life.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’re here to help guide the way.
Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about how we can help address ADHD or to schedule an initial evaluation.