It is believed that half of those suffering from ADHD are also suffering from anxiety disorders. (ADHD) are also suffering with anxiety disorders. Although there is an important similarity with the symptoms associated with ADHD as well as anxiety the two disorders are distinct and require different treatment strategies.
If you’re identified as suffering from ADHD or anxiety you should be aware that both conditions combine to make managing harder. Being diagnosed with ADHD and having difficulty being able to finish tasks or maintain productive relationships can cause anxiety. Additionally, having anxiety can cause your ADHD symptoms more difficult to manage.
In this article we’ll discuss a variety of solutions for those who suffer from the comorbidity of anxieties and ADHD.
The struggle of living with anxiousness and ADHD is enough of a challenge. Finding a trusted medical professional and a treatment program that can address all aspects of ADHD and anxiety disorders shouldn’t cause more stress. Klarity helps make an online ADHD treatment and anxiety treatment simple.
We invite you to take our complimentary, 2-minute assessment and we’ll pair your with a anxiety – and ADHD-trained doctors who will diagnose and recommend treatments online in 48 days or fewer. There’s no need to wait weeks to see a doctor and even longer for follow-up visits.
How to Treat ADHD and Anxiety Symptoms
Certain ADHD medications can be helpful in treating anxiety that is comorbid, and some, such as stimulants can aggravate anxiety symptoms. The good news is that there are a variety of ADHD treatments and medications available to combat ADHD which can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications
ADHD medication falls into two broad categories that include stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants, the first-line medication to treat adult ADHD are quick-acting and extremely efficient. They help by increasing the brain’s production levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a role in influencing motivation, action, as well as cognition.
Non-stimulants, also effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, are slower in the speed of onset. They work by keeping the already activated receptors within the brain “turned on” or “fired up” for a longer time. Although both types of ADHD medications are efficient and safe stimulants, they can also increase anxiety symptoms, which makes less stimulants the best choice for adults with anxiety.
On Klarity you are able to work with your doctor to determine the most effective solution for your mental health issue.
What Does Strattera Do?
Strattera is an unstimulant ADHD medication that is similar in structure with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are used for treating anxiety and depression. Technically, it is an SNRI or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Strattera can take a period of 1-4 weeks to start working, and it has been approved to be utilized by children (6 to 12 years old) as well as teens and adults.
What Is Intuniv?
Intuniv is an extended-release version of a blood pressure medication known as Guanfacine. Intuniv is approved for use as an non-stimulant ADHD medicine in the year 2009, and it is believed to affect brain receptors to increase memory, reduce distraction and increase concentration.
What Is Kapvay?
Similar to Intuniv Kapvay is the extended-release variant of the medication – in this instance, Clonidine, a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It is approved for treating ADHD for both children and adults, Kapvay works on receptors within the brain’s central nervous system. It is classified as a centrally-acting alpha2-adrenergic antagonist.
What’s Q Elbree Useful To Do?
Qelbree is an selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which is used to treat anxiety and depression. It has also been proven that it is effective for treating ADHD. Presently, Qelbree is approved for the treatment of ADHD for children and adolescents between 6-17 years of age and is expected to be approved for treatment of adults suffering from ADHD.
How to Use CBT for ADHD and Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is sometimes called “talk therapy,” is a highly effective treatment generally when it is used in conjunction with medications, to treat both ADHD as well as anxiety. CBT therapy focuses on the search for practical solutions to the causes and signs related to ADHD as well as anxiety an individual is suffering from.
What Is CBT?
CBT is founded on the belief that feelings, thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and even thoughts are all interconnected. When someone changes their behavior in one of these areas, they’ll experience positive improvements in the other two. A licensed counselor can offer CBT for groups or private sessions.
What Is CBT’s Impact on ADHD and Anxiety?
Research has shown that CBT can help reduce ADHD symptoms and reduce anxiety. In particular, CBT improves executive functioning by reducing inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. In conjunction with ADHD medication, CBT was also found to be more effective at alleviating anxiety symptoms than medication by itself.
Klairity does not provide psychotherapy treatment. However, your doctor might suggest psychotherapy in conjunction with prescribed medications as a helpful treatment.
What’s the Link Between ADHD and Anxiety?
While it’s not known definitively, studies suggest that there is an underlying genetic connection between ADHD and anxiety. This could explain the reason why as high as 50% of people suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety issues as well, however more research on this subject is required.
How to Treat ADHD and Anxiety in Adults
The management of ADHD and anxiety-related symptoms for adults can be difficult However, there are effective treatment strategies that can aid. Therapie and medication are the most important treatments for adults who suffer from ADHD as well as anxiety. ADHD medication, like stimulants and non-stimulants, function to regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, which improve concentration, attention and control over impulses.
Therapy can also help individuals to identify and tackle negative thinking patterns, devise strategies for coping and enhance executive functioning. In collaboration with a health professional to decide on the most suitable combination of therapy and medication will result in better results in the management of anxiety and ADHD as well as anxiety.
In addition to medications and therapy, there is many other techniques and strategies for coping that may assist people in tackling their ADHD and anxiety-related symptoms. These strategies can be integrated into routines that improve general well-being and enhance the management of symptoms.
Below is a comprehensive list of strategies for coping that you can use:
Set up healthy habits: Setting an established sleep routine and eating a balanced, healthy diet, and utilizing techniques of relaxation, like deep breathing exercises, or meditation can boost overall health and reduce the symptoms of ADHD or anxiety.
Regularly exercise Regular exercise has been proven to have positive effects on mental well-being. Exercise regularly, no matter if walking or practicing yoga, or playing sports that helps relieve symptoms, improve mood and decrease anxiety. Exercise also releases dopamine, which is helpful in the management of ADHD.
Learn time management strategies Learning effective time management techniques can help in reducing stress and increasing productivity. You can use tools such as planners, calendars or apps for digital devices to help manage your time and assign responsibilities.
Use strategies to reduce stress Choose healthy methods to deal with stress, like taking part in activities or hobbies that you like, spending time in the outdoors and listening to soothing music or practicing mindfulness techniques. Try different methods to find out the best one for you.
Find support: Creating the support of a network of friends, family members, or support groups could provide support as well as understanding and an environment where you can share your personal experiences. Meeting with other people who are facing similar issues can be soothing and can provide valuable information.
Learn about relaxation strategies: Discover different relaxation techniques, like gradual muscle relaxation, guided visualization or aromatherapy, to ease anxiety symptoms and foster an atmosphere of peace.
Take care of yourself: Participate in activities that encourage self-care and improve your mental health. This may include taking breaks as you need to, taking part in activities or hobbies that make you happy as well as practicing self-compassion and establishing boundaries that protect your time and energy.
