Individuals with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), often struggle with anxiety. This can be in the form of several symptoms or even a full-blown condition.

About 30 to 40 percent of people with ADHD have an anxiety disorder, which includes "obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorder," according to Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School. Anxiety Disorders Association of America estimates that the number is even higher, at almost 50%.

Find out why ADHD and anxiety are co-occurring (occurring together), what this means for treatment, and some strategies to cope with stress.

ADHD and Anxiety are Often Co-occurring

ADHD symptoms are very annoying and can make your life more stressful. You might, for example, miss a deadline at work, get fired, forget your math final, fail the exam, or act impulsively, putting yourself in danger. People can be anxious and worried about forgetting something or even the possibility of doing so.

Other people are angry at them, and they feel disappointed with themselves.

Olivardia explained that people with ADHD are often sensitive. This makes them "vulnerable" to situations and emotions and more likely to feel things deeply.

The genetics of ADHD and anxiety may also explain the co-occurrence. Olivardia says good evidence supports the notion that ADHD and OCD are genetically based. Here's a study. According to studies from Massachusetts General Hospital, 30 percent of OCD sufferers also have ADHD.

How anxiety affects treatment

"Anxiety is a key component of ADHD treatment because it allows you to simultaneously work on strategies for ADHD symptoms as well as the anxiety that results," Olivardia explained.

Anxiety can also complicate treatment, paralyzing people and keeping them stuck in old habits. Tuckman stated that "people who are anxious will be less willing to try new things, for fear they won't work out. This includes trying new strategies to help manage their ADHD."

Anxiety can also have a negative side effect. Tuckman explained that when we are anxious or preoccupied, it can make us forgetful and distracted. He said that this is more common with complex problems.

Anxiety and Stimulants

ADHD is treated very effectively with stimulant medications. Olivardia noted that stimulants can sometimes worsen anxiety symptoms. Tuckman says that symptoms will subside in a few days or weeks.

These symptoms may also be a response to the medication. Tuckman says that "the physical sensations such as a faster heartbeat, a dry mouth, etc. are normal reactions to the medication." These are normal reactions to the medicine like we expect our heart rate to increase after climbing a flight or stairs.

If people cannot tolerate stimulants, psychiatrists can prescribe a non-stimulant with a selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), a drug that reduces anxiety. (Tuckman stated that non-stimulants could be less effective than stimulants.

Olivardia explained that if someone doesn't wish to take multiple medications, they may decide to medicate only one disorder and deal with the other through behavioral means.

Tuckman said that therapy can be very effective in treating anxiety. She "prefer[s] addressing the ADHD first, and then seeing how much anxiety comes out on its own ..."

Anxiety-alleviating strategies

Understanding how anxiety and ADHD work will help you better understand your condition. Olivardia says that determining how anxiety works will "inform" your treatment. If, for example, you find that most of your anxiety is caused by the consequences of ADHD, the treatment should focus on ADHD. "If you discover that they are not related, but are still affecting one another, you should give each of them the clinical attention they deserve," he said.

Minimize worry. People who are anxious worry excessively. These negative thoughts can take over your life if you allow them to. Tuckman advised you to "try to come up with alternate explanations or forecasts" instead. Imagine that your boss has been short with you. He said that instead of thinking she did something wrong, she felt stressed out for personal reasons. Worrying is only necessary if you have a reason or proof.

Do not believe everything that you think. Worry thoughts can also fuel anxiety. You don't need to listen to these thoughts. Tuckman advised you to "notice your anxious thoughts" without taking them seriously or feeling compelled. Tuckman compared it to "a fire alarm that sounds every time someone burns toast." Although hearing the alarm is annoying, we don't run from the building. "We check the situation and see that there is no need to be concerned, then we go about our business."

Healthy habits and self-care are essential. Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and insufficient exercise can cause anxiety and make you more sensitive to stress. Eating nutritious food, engaging in physical activity, and getting enough sleep are all important.

Minimize stress. Olivardia recommended that readers "lower the stress in their life and introduce[e] activities they enjoy and feel soothing."

Surround yourself with supportive people. Negative people will only increase your stress. Olivardia suggested that you surround yourself with "positive and affirming people."

Practice relaxation techniques.

Olivardia says that deep breathing and relaxation exercises can reduce anxiety. Find out more about deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation methods.

There are several effective ways to manage anxiety and ADHD symptoms and lead a happier life.