Integrated Psychiatric Care for Two of the Most Common Co-Occurring Conditions
ADHD and Anxiety: Treating Both Conditions Together
Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Treating one without the other rarely works. Our psychiatrists develop integrated medication strategies that address both conditions — with careful attention to how they interact.
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Reviewed by Dr. Robert Glenn, MD, Supervising Physician · Last updated
When ADHD and Anxiety Overlap
Struggling With Both ADHD and Anxiety?
Same-week evaluations available. When ADHD and anxiety co-occur, treating one without addressing the other often fails. Our psychiatrists specialize in developing integrated treatment plans that address both conditions simultaneously.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.
Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also have a clinically significant anxiety disorder. The overlap is so common that distinguishing between the two — and determining which is driving your symptoms — is one of the most important diagnostic questions in adult psychiatry.
At Empathy Health Clinic, our ADHD psychiatrists conduct thorough evaluations that separate ADHD-driven anxiety (the stress that comes from constantly losing things, missing deadlines, and feeling overwhelmed) from a standalone anxiety disorder that exists independently of ADHD. The distinction matters because the treatment strategy is different.
When both conditions are present, medication selection becomes critical. Some ADHD medications can worsen anxiety, while some anxiety treatments can affect ADHD symptoms. Our psychiatrists use careful, evidence-based medication strategies — including SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone for the anxiety component, combined with ADHD medications selected to minimize anxiety as a side effect.
The ADHD-Anxiety Overlap: Why It Matters
ADHD-driven anxiety looks like:
- Worry about forgetting responsibilities or deadlines
- Overwhelm from disorganization and procrastination
- Fear of being "found out" as unreliable
- Stress from constantly compensating for executive dysfunction
Standalone anxiety disorder looks like:
- Generalized worry across many life domains
- Physical symptoms (muscle tension, rapid heart rate)
- Avoidance of specific situations or triggers
- Anxiety present even when ADHD is well-managed
Dual-Diagnosis Expertise
Psychiatrists experienced in evaluating and treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety together
Strategic Medication Selection
Careful pairing of ADHD and anxiety medications that complement rather than conflict with each other
No Benzodiazepines
We treat anxiety with SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone — safer options with no dependence risk
Integrated Care Approach
Both conditions addressed in one treatment plan rather than bouncing between providers
Same-Week Appointments
Quick access to comprehensive evaluation with in-person and telehealth options
Insurance Accepted
Most major insurance plans cover evaluation and ongoing medication management
Understanding and Treating ADHD + Anxiety
Why the overlap matters, how medication strategy changes, and what effective treatment looks like
How Common Is the ADHD-Anxiety Overlap?
Research shows that 30-50% of adults with ADHD also meet criteria for an anxiety disorder. The relationship goes both directions: ADHD creates real-world problems (missed deadlines, disorganization, relationship difficulties) that naturally produce anxiety, while anxiety itself impairs focus and working memory — mimicking or worsening ADHD symptoms. Untangling the two requires a skilled diagnostician.
Why Treating Only One Condition Fails
If you treat only the anxiety, ADHD continues to create the chaos and disorganization that feed the anxiety cycle. If you treat only the ADHD, the anxiety disorder persists and can undermine ADHD treatment effectiveness — anxious patients may not tolerate stimulant side effects, or the anxiety may mask ADHD improvement. Both conditions need to be addressed for either to be managed well.
Medication Strategy: ADHD + Anxiety
Our psychiatrists often use a layered approach: SSRIs (like sertraline or escitalopram), SNRIs (like duloxetine or venlafaxine), or buspirone to address the anxiety component, combined with ADHD medication chosen for its anxiety profile. For patients where stimulants worsen anxiety, non-stimulant options like Strattera or Intuniv may help both conditions. Vyvanse and Ritalin/Concerta are effective ADHD options that many patients tolerate well even with co-occurring anxiety when dosed carefully.
The Role of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications
When anxiety is severe or stimulants consistently worsen it, non-stimulant ADHD medications become first-line. Strattera (atomoxetine) treats ADHD and may reduce anxiety symptoms. Intuniv (guanfacine) helps with ADHD-related impulsivity and has anxiolytic properties. Wellbutrin (bupropion) addresses ADHD and co-occurring depression. These options allow ADHD treatment without adding stimulant-related anxiety risk.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
Our 45-90 minute evaluation maps both conditions: ADHD symptom history (childhood and current), anxiety symptom assessment, timeline analysis (which came first?), co-occurring conditions screen, medication history review, and functional impact assessment. This thoroughness is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Therapy Coordination
While medication addresses the neurochemistry, therapy builds the coping skills. CBT for anxiety and coaching strategies for ADHD executive function are powerful complements to medication. We coordinate with therapists and can recommend providers who specialize in this overlap. Medication management appointments include ongoing assessment of both conditions.
Insurance & Payment Options
We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options
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We accept most major commercial insurance plans for psychiatric evaluation and medication management. Note: We do not accept Medicaid or Sunshine Health.
Why Choose Empathy Health Clinic
Licensed Professionals
Licensed psychiatric clinicians and therapists
HIPAA Compliant
Your privacy and confidentiality are protected
Insurance Accepted
We accept most major insurance plans
Same-Week Appointments
Fast access to care when you need it most
Medication Strategies for ADHD + Anxiety
Treatment depends on which condition is primary and how they interact in your specific case.
These are general frameworks. Your psychiatrist will individualize your treatment based on your complete clinical evaluation.
The ADHD-Anxiety Cycle
ADHD and anxiety feed each other in a self-reinforcing loop. Breaking the cycle requires addressing both.
How ADHD Creates Anxiety
- • Chronic disorganization leads to constant catch-up stress
- • Missed deadlines create fear of consequences
- • Executive dysfunction makes simple tasks feel overwhelming
- • Years of struggling build anticipatory dread
- • Social missteps (interrupting, forgetting plans) create social anxiety
How Anxiety Worsens ADHD
- • Anxious rumination consumes working memory
- • Avoidance prevents task initiation (looks like procrastination)
- • Sleep disruption impairs next-day focus
- • Perfectionism (anxiety-driven) blocks task completion
- • Physical anxiety symptoms make concentration harder
Related Services & Resources
Medical References
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatment requires a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Medication selection is individualized based on diagnosis, symptom profile, co-occurring conditions, and medical history. Empathy Health Clinic does not sell or advertise prescription drugs online.
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ADHD and Anxiety Treatment FAQs
Stop Fighting Two Battles Alone
When ADHD and anxiety co-occur, getting the right diagnosis and an integrated treatment plan makes all the difference. Our psychiatrists specialize in this overlap and will develop a medication strategy that addresses both conditions together.
If you're in crisis: Empathy Health Clinic is an outpatient practice and not a 24/7 crisis facility. If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.