Certain ADHD medications, especially stimulant medications, can cause physical anxiety symptoms such as increased heart rate and difficulty sleeping. They may also worsen anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and co-occurring anxiety disorders.
The neurotransmitter systems and brain regions that Adderall acts on for ADHD treatment are the same as those that are active when you experience anxiety. Amphetamines such as in Adderall can cause activity in an area of your brain called the amygdala. The amygdala is often called the fear center of the brain.
ADHD is often treated with medications that can have a stimulating effect, such as Ritalin. This may contribute to or cause symptoms of anxiety. For example, one of the common side effects of Adderall — a medication frequently prescribed to treat ADHD — is anxiety.
Adderall is FDA approved to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. It isn't typically used to treat anxiety, and when used alone, it may worsen your symptoms. This medication can also produce side effects similar to symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness, irritability, and restlessness.
ADHD and Anxiety Disorders
This is often accompanied by feelings of restlessness, being "keyed up" or constantly on edge, problems with concentration (or mind going blank), sleep disturbances, muscle tension, irritability, fatigue, and feeling overwhelmed.
ADHD vs Anxiety: What's the Difference? The difference between ADHD and anxiety ultimately comes down to whether or not the individual is not focused because of fearful, apprehensive thoughts, or is not focused because of being easily distracted even though their mind is calm.
Atomoxetine is an effective measure of improving anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a recent review.
Stretch, jump, go up and down the stairs, walk around the block – anything to release pent-up energy. Exercise produces feel-good hormones, such as endorphins, that help us destress and relax. To make moving a priority, schedule a walk with a friend whose conversation you enjoy and whose energy is uplifting.
The ADHD brain also gets easily consumed. This means ADHD and overthinking kind of go hand in hand. The ADHD brain grasps hold of your thoughts and runs away with them, while emotions keep the engine running.
Someone with an anxiety disorder may have trouble concentrating in situations that make them feel worried or nervous. In contrast, someone with ADHD may experience difficulty concentrating even in situations where their mind is calm and quiet.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with heightened levels of anxiety; up to 50 percent of individuals with ADHD have one or more comorbid anxiety disorders (Schatz and Rostain 2006; Yoshimasu et al.
Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression. Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red.
Answer: Increased anxiety can be a side effect of stimulant medication for ADHD, like Ritalin.
The Final Word on Ritalin and Anxiety
While it is easy to imagine that a drug that seems to "calm" overexcited children would be great for your anxiety, the truth is that this drug is designed to stimulate alertness and therefore runs the risk of worsening your anxiety rather than improving it.
When the dosage is too high, stimulants can cause children or even adults to seem “spacey” or “zombie-like,” or to be uncharacteristically tearful or irritable (a condition known as emotional lability). In general, the best way to rein in these side effects is simply to lower the dosage.
Differences in emotions in people with ADHD can lead to 'shutdowns', where someone is so overwhelmed with emotions that they space out, may find it hard to speak or move and may struggle to articulate what they are feeling until they can process their emotions.
Adult ADHD Shouldn't Stop You From Relaxing and Having Fun
Many adults with ADHD may have trouble staying focused and paying attention. But, even though they have possible symptoms of ADHD, they still can enjoy life and relax. A common misconception about ADHD is that adults who have it cannot relax at all.
While some people still believe that ADHD can only manifest as hyperactivity - that's not always the case. That means inattentiveness is a main symptom, too! They may present shyness or are timid and still have ADHD.
By Dr. David Velkoff. Ring of Fire ADD is a type of ADD characterized by abnormally increased activity in multiple areas of the brain, which in individuals on qEEG brain mapping scans can appear as over activity or overstimulation.
It's a chronic state of stress related to the struggle to live with ADHD, a stress that breaks down emotional tolerance, stamina, and a sense of wellbeing and spiritual health. The chronic, lifelong nature of ADHD-related stress can increase to become a syndrome akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The guidelines recommend treating the ADHD first, with a stimulant, and addressing the remaining anxiety with behavioral therapies and medication.
ADHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults.
The most popular ADHD medications among ADDitude readers include (in alphabetical order): Adderall XR (amphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (amphetamine)
The overlap between the symptoms of ADHD and other conditions can also add to the potential for misdiagnosis. As many as 75% of children with ADHD meet the criteria for another diagnosis. About a third of children who have ADHD will also have clinical levels of anxiety.