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ADHD, Anxiety & depression

ADHD, anxiety, and depression

ADHD, anxiety and depression are often linked, and genetics play a key role—but there’s more to the story. Here’s what’s known so far and the treatment options available.

A young man in a brown jacket holds a rolled newspaper to his mouth as if speaking through it.

Medically reviewed by Danielle Mulligan Nurse Independent Prescriber

Reading time: 4 min

Uploaded on: February 5, 2026

ADHD, anxiety, and depression are distinct conditions, but research shows they’re more closely linked than you might think.

ADHD, anxiety, and depression often show up together.
When they do, the symptoms of one condition may worsen symptoms of the others.
These conditions may come from genes, brain chemicals, or family problems.
Treatment is different for everyone, and usually involves a mix of therapy and medication.
Healthy habits like sleep, eating well, exercise, and fun activities can also help.

Symptoms of ADHD: Poor time management Careless mistakes Forgetfulness Trouble with organisation Excessive talking Difficulty staying calm Excessive physical movement Mood swings Acting without thinking Difficulty waiting Blurting out answers Risk taking behaviours Difficulty multitasking Hyperfocus RSD Procrastination Symptoms of anxiety Feeling worried, uneasy, or on edge Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom Needing frequent reassurances from other people Feeling fearful Sweating, trembling, or shaking Having heart palpitations Experiencing nausea or abdominal distress Dry mouth Pins and needles Feeling dizzy or lightheated Having a more noticeable or unusual heartbeat Gastrointestinal problems Feeling weak or tired Breathing heavily Symptoms of depression Persistent sadness, irritability, or ‘empty’ mood Loss of interest or pleasure Feeling hopeless or pessimistic Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Unexplained aches or pains Thoughts of death or suicide Symptoms of ADHD & anxiety Emotional dysregulation Difficulty focusing Difficulty with relationships Low distress tolerance Easily overwhelmed Distractibility Symptoms of ADHD and depression Difficulty initiating and completing tasks Fatigue or lack of energy Memory problems Guilt Symptoms of anxiety and depression Having headaches, tummy aches, or muscle pain Avoiding socialising Symptoms of ADHD, anxiety and depression Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions Difficulty sleeping Feeling irritable, tense, or restless Avoidance behaviours Low self-esteem Changes in appetite or weight Poor eating habits

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects brain development, leading to ongoing issues with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Common signs are trouble concentrating, staying organised, controlling urges and excessive fidgeting or talking.

These issues can impact daily life, school or work performance, and relationships.

ADHD is often first noticed in children during school when it causes trouble with focus or behaviour. ADHD is diagnosed in boys more frequently than in girls,¹ mostly because their symptoms, like hyperactivity, are easier to spot.

But that doesn’t mean boys have it more. Girls often show it in quieter ways, like daydreaming or being easily distracted, so it’s often missed.

What is anxiety?

Feeling anxious is normal sometimes, but when the feeling becomes too strong, lasts a long time, and interferes with your daily life, it might be an anxiety disorder.

You might feel constant worry, fear, or restlessness, along with things like a fast heartbeat or sweating.

Common types include:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Worrying about lots of things all the time. It can affect sleep, cause tiredness, low mood, stomach issues, or a racing heart.
Panic Disorder: Regular panic attacks that come out of nowhere. You might feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy, short of breath, or get chest pain.
Phobias: Intense fear of something specific, like animals, places, or certain situations.
Social Anxiety Disorder: A strong fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes long-lasting sadness and a lack of interest. It can impact your emotions, thoughts and actions, leading to both emotional and physical issues.

Symptoms include:

constant low mood;
hopelessness;
tiredness;
changes in appetite or sleep patterns; and:
trouble focusing.

Women are diagnosed with depression more frequently than men,² but this might be because men are less likely to notice, talk about, or get help for how they’re feeling. This means many men may have depression that goes unnoticed and untreated.

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