Calm down, it may not be ADHD.
Here is a brief summary to help you better understand the differences between (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADHD and anxiety.
ADHD is a childhood disorder that often lasts through adolescence until adulthood. It was previously called ADD. Children with ADHD often:
Above I mentioned some symptoms of ADHD, now I am going to discuss anxiety and what to look for.
Anxiety is a form of stress that primarily relates to worry about what might or could happen. Anxiety is a normal human reaction but when anxiety becomes too overwhelming, or extended over a long period of time, or the anxiety is out of proportion for the given situation, we begin to look at anxiety as a disorder. Children with anxiety often experience generalized anxiety; they worry about things such as school, their family, or the future in general.
Children with anxiety experience constant stress and worry as well as:
These worries and other symptoms often make the child feel as if their life is out of control. These worries can cause children to often miss school or avoid social situations.
There are a few ways for you to distinguish between ADHD and anxiety:
Patients with ADHD can sometimes have anxiety too. This is because they worry about their symptoms causing disruptions in situations that are not ideal, causing them embarrassment.
Treatment is critical for both of these disorders in order for patients to manage their symptoms. Treatment options include:
Help your child by being willing to listen and encouraging them to share with you how they are feeling. We are here at Eltilla to support you and answer any more questions or concerns – make an appointment with a counselor today!
Written by Stephanie Dosser