ADHD Medication and Anxiety
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to also have a co-occurring anxiety disorder. Because the two conditions share some similar symptoms, such as restlessness, it is important to rule out anxiety or other conditions when making an ADHD diagnosis.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 4% of the world’s population by some studies. While it is usually identified in childhood, ADHD is lifelong. It is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can make it difficult for people to pay attention and control their behaviors.
Various methods can be implemented to help manage day-to-day tasks and tendencies. This includes medication, psychotherapy, social skills training, lifestyle changes, and special accommodations.
Takeaway
ADHD and anxiety often co-exist, and they can also exacerbate the effects of each other. Additionally, stimulant-based medication can cause sometimes cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
This article will explore which medications can cause anxiety symptoms as well as alternative treatment methods that can be utilized. Additionally, general coping mechanisms will be discussed to further support and help with your mental health journey.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is actually a neurodevelopmental disorder. These are a group of conditions that have their onset in the developmental period and generally present early in life in ways that affects the brain’s development and produce impairments in functioning. Other neurodevelopmental disorders include specific learning disorders which can sometimes be mistaken for ADHD.
While ADHD traits do vary from person to person, there are three major presentations with their own unique characteristics:
Inattentive: This type of ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, disorganization, a lack of focus, and a short attention span. This type of ADHD is sometimes referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD); however, this term is outdated and not officially used anymore.
Impulsive/Hyperactive: This subtype is the most commonly thought of when discussing ADHD. Individuals with this type are restless, fidgety, and often act without thinking.
Combined: Individuals with this type of ADHD usually document experiencing a mixture of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention symptoms.
Related: The Three ADHD Subtypes and How to Recognize Them
Which Medications Are Used to Help With ADHD?
Medication for ADHD comes in two groups, stimulants and non-stimulants. The type of medication most suitable for a person will depend on specific symptoms and circumstances.
Stimulants
Stimulants are considered the first-line treatment for ADHD and often the most effective; thus, they are the most common type of medication to help with ADHD symptoms while they are active in the body. But how do they work?
The chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine play a key role in regulating attention and executive function. These chemicals tend to be lower in those with ADHD, so stimulants work by increasing their availability in the brain.
Thus, the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that rely on these chemicals increase, and the symptoms of ADHD decrease.
Common Stimulants
The most common stimulant-based medications include the following:
Adderall (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine)
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Concerta (extended-release methylphenidate)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Related: ADHD Medication for Adults
Non-stimulants
Non-stimulant medications are another treatment option for ADHD. This option is usually recommended to those who don’t experience adequate improvement on stimulants, experience severe adverse side effects from stimulants, and/or those with health conditions that make stimulants an inappropriate option.
It is also important to note that there may be instances where a doctor may prescribe both stimulant and non-stimulant medications to complement one another.
Common Non-Stimulants
The most common non-stimulant-based medications include the following:
Related: Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication
Does ADHD Medication Cause Anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety often co-exist, and they can also exacerbate the effects of each other. For instance, around 11% of adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) also have a comorbid ADHD diagnosis.
Additionally, some stimulant-based ADHD medications can make anxiety symptoms worse, such as Adderall or Ritalin. However, these anxiety symptoms may subside after some time.
“Some symptoms — like fidgeting and trouble concentrating — are hallmarks of both ADHD and anxiety. As a result, clinicians must rule out anxiety and other mental disorders when diagnosing ADHD, and vice versa," says Damaris Chukwura, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Heading Health.
Takeaway
Should your anxiety symptoms due to your stimulant medications worsen, non-stimulant-based medication may be an alternative mode of treatment.
Other Side Effects of ADHD Medication
While ADHD medication is very effective at helping people manage their symptoms, as with all medication, there is the potential for side effects. It is important to note that not everyone who takes the medication will experience the same side effects to the same severity. Additionally, many of these adverse effects can subside with time.
Takeaway
However, should this not be the case (or should you experience any that cause significant distress or impact your daily functioning), it is essential to have a discussion with your doctor.
Stimulant-based medication to treat ADHD can cause the following:
Weight loss
Insomnia
Headaches
Mood changes
Nausea
To minimize the side effects of ADHD medication, medical practitioners can implement a range of techniques. This includes starting off with a low dose and titrating the medication to find your body’s optimal dose. In some instances switching your medication may be recommended.
This can happen in two ways — switching from an amphetamine-based ADHD medication to a methylphenidate-based one or a long-acting agent to a short-acting agent (and visa-versa). There is also the option of taking “medication holidays.”
Additionally, it is common for your doctor to recommend regular meetings, particularly initially. This is so they can monitor your symptoms, side-effects and the medication's impact on your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and general health and well-being.
Related: How Long Does it Take Adderall and Other ADHD Medication to Work?
Can You Take ADHD Medication With Anxiety Medication?
As mentioned above, individuals with ADHD are more likely to have an anxiety disorder than individuals without the condition. It is often important to treat both conditions. Psychotherapy and several types of medications are used in the management of anxiety disorders.
Takeaway
It is often possible to take the types of medications prescribed for anxiety disorders along with those for ADHD, however this needs to be done under a doctor’s close supervision.
That said, it is crucial to keep in mind that a combination of medicine and therapy has been found to be most beneficial for individuals with ADHD and anxiety disorder. .
Additionally, for some individuals, stimulant medication can reduce the impact of anxiety. For example, a 2016 study on children with ADHD found that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate-based medication reduced the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. .
How to Cope With ADHD and Anxiety
While there are many techniques your medical practitioner can implement to help with your ADHD, there is a range of other methods you can carry out yourself. Here are some tips you can try:
Create a schedule with breaks and make it visible: Creating a structured routine is very helpful when it comes to keeping track and being engaged with tasks. However, it is important to remember to schedule some breaks, too, so you don’t overextend yourself. “Writing in your planner, putting a calendar on your wall or digital calendars are great for reminding us to take scheduled breaks,” advises Chukwura.
Implement exercise and movement into your routine: Evidence shows that exercise can lead to an immediate improvement in ADHD symptoms and cognitive functions. It doesn’t need to be anything strenuous either. “Make sure to incorporate movement every day, especially when working from home. Walking meetings are also great!” she says.
Maintain healthy habits and lower your expectations: In today’s culture, it is very common for everyone to feel overwhelmed at one point or another. Therefore, it is vital to give yourself and your body the best internal environment to face daily challenges. “Exercise, sleep, eating nutritious foods while limiting caffeine and alcohol are effective in managing ADHD and anxiety,” says Chukwura.
Takeaway
That said, it is also important not to put unhelpful pressure on yourself to have to always excel at these things. No one can perform at the same caliber every day, so it’s also vital to give yourself grace. Consistency doesn’t require perfection.
Read Next: I Think I Have ADHD: What to Do and Where to Go
Read the original article on Verywell Mind.
