ADHD vs. Anxiety Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
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Between 20 and 40% of children who have ADHD also have anxiety disorders, especially Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). In fact, some children may struggle with several anxiety problems along with ADHD. Children with anxiety and ADHD are less likely to be hyperactive and impulsive, but more likely to daydream or be inattentive. Experts suspect that having ADHD triggers anxiety in a child, because it impacts his/her academic and social development. On the other hand, a child who has anxiety disorders may appear to have ADHD, because his/her worries impact the ability to focus on tests. When the anxiety is successfully treated, ADHD symptoms may disappear.
Fast Facts:- Anxiety and depression may be more harmful to a child's development than ADHD.
- Having ADHD may cause a child to develop an anxiety disorder.
- Since mood disorders and ADHD often occur together, successful treatment depends on a combination of approaches.
- Some 21% of American children aged 9 to 17 have a diagnosable mental illness.
- Treatment for children with anxiety or other mood disorders and ADHD may include psychotherapy, family support, behavioral therapy, and drugs.
- Anxiety and mood disorders are more common in children whose parents also have these problems.
ADHD v. Depression and Anxiety | Psychology Today
psychologytoday.com — “Is ADHD a "real" disorder or anxiety - depression? By G. Frank Lawlis, Ph.D....” View full resource at psychologytoday.com
ADHD in Adults - Symptoms, Causes, Types, Treatments, and More
webmd.com — “Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks, or completing work within time limits.” View full resource at webmd.com
Common Comorbid Conditions Associated with ADHD | ADDitude - Adults and Children with ADHD & LD
additudemag.com — “Half of all children with ADHD are affected by another `comorbid` condition like depression, anxiety, OCD or bipolar disorder. Here`s what to look for — and where to go for help. ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information for adults and children from experts in attention deficit and learning disabilities like dyslexia. How to manage ADD medications, set up school accommodations for your child, help your marriage to an ADD/ADHD adult parent children with discipline problems, use alternat” View full resource at additudemag.com
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