When people think of ADHD, it is often assumed, “Oh, that person struggles to focus.” However, the opposite is often quite true. ADHD individuals have the uncanny ability to hyperfocus on tasks and topics they naturally enjoy. Their ability to focus on preferred tasks and activities is also impeccable. However, they might struggle to focus on less-preferred tasks, those that require more mental energy and which are not naturally enjoyable or easily achievable. This is the attention deficit part of ADHD and is an important aspect in the equation. Often times, when ADHD individuals become distracted, it is because they are thinking about preferred tasks or activities instead of what is at-hand.
In contrast, anxiety may cause people to appear unfocussed or task-avoidant because they are thinking about specific worries. It can also cause distractibility and hyperfocus, which may make people present as if they are experiencing characteristics of ADHD. Therefore, it is important to make the distinction between people struggling with anxiety versus those struggling with ADHD. A person experiencing anxiety might also appear hyperfocused on tasks, but in doing so, will most likely display symptoms of anxiety such as:
- Racing heart
- Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Feelings of nervousness, restlessness or doom
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Sweating
In this case, most likely what is being experienced is anxious productivity.
Of course, this leaves the question, can someone have anxious ADHD? YES! For more information, reach out to Dandelion Family Counseling to schedule an appointment and talk to one of our therapists.