How Anxiety in Kids & ADHD Are Related
Has your kid ever experienced anxiety? Can you say yes or no to the question, "Does your child have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?" It's possible that the two of them are related to one another.
Actually, many kids with ADHD also struggle with severe anxiety. This relationship has led researchers to wonder whether treating ADHD might also help reduce anxiety symptoms.
In this article, I'll explain how ADHD and anxiety are related and provide tips on how to treat both conditions simultaneously.
What is ADHD and How Does it Relate to Anxiety in Kids?
Children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at a higher rate than any other neurodevelopmental disorder.
It's characterised by three main symptoms: inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can cause problems at school or home.
Anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and separation anxiety.
All of these problems are a result of mental health concerns that make daily life difficult.
Physical manifestations of anxiety include a racing heart, perspiring, shaking, nausea, dizziness, migraines, and stomachaches.
In addition, a panic attack might make breathing difficult for some people.
Here's some good news: both ADHD and anxiety can be effectively treated. The bad news is that some kids don't respond well to treatment for one condition, while others do very well.
Consequently, it is crucial to learn which medications are most effective for each child.
The connection between ADHD and anxiety in kids
A study published in 2009 found that about half of children diagnosed with ADHD also had anxiety disorders.
Researchers believe that the link between ADHD and anxiety stems from the same biological factors that contribute to both conditions.
For instance, the stress hormone cortisol is typically more abundant in the bodies of children who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Cortisol helps regulate moods, but too much of it can lead to anxiety.
Children with ADHD also tend to have lower serotonin levels, another neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating emotions. For example, low serotonin levels can make kids more prone to anxiety.
Researchers think that the combination of increased cortisol and decreased serotonin contributes to the development of anxiety in kids with ADHD.
The Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety-Related ADHD in Kids
Knowing how to spot what anxiety looks like in kids, as well as ADHD, is crucial in catching these conditions earlier.
Some of the symptoms that children with anxiety-related ADHD may exhibit include:
An exaggerated response to seemingly insignificant events
Having difficulty focusing
Acting out inappropriately
Fidgeting
Talking excessively
Excessive worrying
Feeling overwhelmed
If you've got a child with ADHD and anxiety, it's important to find out if the two conditions are connected.
If so, your doctor will likely recommend medication for both conditions. But before starting any new medication, discussing your options with your pediatrician is important.
How Does Anxiety-Related ADHD Impact Kids' Lives
How anxiety impacts kids can differ from child to child, this is especially true when the child also has ADHD.
For instance, some kids may be able to handle their anxiety without having to take medication. But on the other hand, others may need help coping with their anxiety.
And still, others may benefit from taking medication for both conditions.
Kids who struggle with anxiety may experience other challenges as well. For example, they may have trouble sleeping, eat poorly, or get into fights with friends.
In addition, kids with ADHD and anxiety may have problems at school because they're distracted and unfocused. They may also have trouble completing assignments on time.
Research shows that kids with ADHD and anxiety are less successful academically than those with ADHD alone.
Day-to-day impacts of anxiety-related ADHD in kids' lives
Anxiety-related ADHD in kids can impact their relationships with family members and teachers. In addition, focus and concentration may also be impaired.
Here are some examples of how anxiety-related ADHD affects kids' daily lives:
Difficulty concentrating
Poor academic performance
Problems getting along with peers
Getting into arguments with parents and siblings
This causes distress for your child daily, which, if left untreated, can have significant implications for later life.
Long-term impacts of anxiety-related ADHD in kids' lives
Research suggests that kids with ADHD and co-occurring anxiety are more likely to develop depression and substance abuse issues later in life.
This is because children with ADHD frequently do not receive adequate care for their condition.
The long-term harmful effects of ADHD can be mitigated with early treatment. In addition, treating anxiety-related ADHD in kids can go a long way toward helping them cope with the disorder.
Some other long-term impacts of untreated anxiety-related ADHD in kids' lives include;
Increased risk of suicide
Developmental delays
Social difficulties
Depression
However, if your child receives the correct treatment and education, all of these long-term effects can be avoided.
The good news is that there are many ways to manage anxiety-related ADHD in kids. For example, your doctor can prescribe medications, talk therapy, behavioural therapy, and/or dietary changes.
How Anxiety-Related ADHD Changes Over Time
The good news is that most kids with ADHD and anxiety respond very well to treatment. But there are cases where symptoms get worse over time.
One reason why this happens is that the brain changes throughout childhood. For example, the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotions, develops slowly during adolescence.
As a result, kids with ADHD and coexisting anxiety may have difficulty regulating their emotions.
Addiction to substances like alcohol and drugs is common among children with ADHD, which can exacerbate the effects of anxiety on their condition.
These substances can make things worse by causing mood swings and increasing impulsivity.
If you think your kid might be struggling with anxiety-related ADHD, talk to his doctor about ways to manage his symptoms. For example, he may want to try one of the following treatments:
How kids deal with anxiety-related ADHD
Kids who struggle with anxiety-related ADHD may use different coping strategies to help them feel better. Some of these strategies include:
Talking to others about their feelings
Taking breaks from activities
Using relaxation techniques
Avoiding situations where they feel anxious
Enhancing their ability to handle stressful situations by learning new techniques
Can kids grow out of anxiety-related ADHD?
Yes! Many kids grow out of anxiety as they get older. They learn to control their impulses and emotions. However, it is unlikely that your child will grow out of their ADHD.
Although some people with ADHD can outgrow it between the ages of 21 and 27, this is usually not the case. About two-thirds of people with ADHD still have symptoms as adults.
This again highlights the importance of learning to manage ADHD and the associated anxieties at an early age.
In addition, many kids with ADHD and anxiety find that medication works best for them. Talk to your kid's doctor about what you can do if you're worried about anxiousness.
However, it takes a lot of time and hard work to help your children overcome the challenges posed by their conditions as they develop.
How anxiety-related ADHD impact adolescents
Adolescents with ADHD and anxiety are at greater risk of developing depression than those without ADHD. This is because they are still developing and learning how to function in society.
Teens who struggle with both ADHD and anxiety can feel overwhelmed by stress and have low self-esteem as a result.
As a result, they are more likely to make bad choices and act recklessly.
For example, some teens with ADHD and anxiety engage in substance abuse or binge eating. Others become depressed and turn to self-harming behaviours.
Another example is that teens with ADHD and anxiety often don't do well academically. This leads to low self-confidence and poor grades.
This can lead to further problems when they reach adulthood. For instance, they may not be able to hold down a job. Or they may end up in jail for reckless or impulsive acts.
Treatment Options for Kids with Anxiety and ADHD
It is crucial that you implement some form of treatment for your child with ADHD and/or anxiety. These conditions can worsen if left untreated but can also be well managed with effective treatment.
There are several effective treatments for kids with ADHD and anxiety. In fact, research shows that combining behavioural therapy with medications can lead to even better results.
See below for some common treatments for ADHD and anxiety;
Behavioural therapy
Behavioural therapy is an evidence-based practice used to treat anxiety disorders. It involves teaching patients how to change their thoughts and behaviour patterns so they can live happier lives.
Some examples of behavioural therapies include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
"Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy" (MBCT)
Conversational Psychotherapy (IPT)
Behavioral Modification Through Dialogue (DBT)
Medication
Medication is an option for treating these disorders; however, many parents and doctors view this treatment method as a last resort.
Many doctors recommend taking medication when treating kids with ADHD and anxiety because it has been proven to improve outcomes.
That is why you must consult a medical expert before getting your child a prescription for any form of medication.
Education
Educating yourself on the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety will help you understand your child's condition better. You'll know what to look out for and how to respond appropriately.
You should also help your child to develop their emotional intelligence. This can allow them to quickly identify their own emotions and understand why they may feel a certain way in a given situation.
They can also learn problem-solving and decision-making abilities to help them deal with difficult situations.
These abilities will equip students to deal with difficulties in a positive way as they arise.
How to Support Kids with Anxiety-Related ADHD
It's important to remember that kids with ADHD and anxiety need support just like everyone else. That means talking to them about their feelings and helping them understand why they have problems.
Additionally, you should reassure them that many others share their problems. You're not alone; many people feel the same way right now.
Don't forget to throw in a healthy dose of humour at the end. Your goal as a parent is to help your children set reasonable goals for themselves.
They need to know it's normal to experience frustration, but they should press on anyhow.
Here are some tips on how to support your child with anxiety-related ADHD:
Talk to them about his condition. Explain to him that you know how challenging it is to manage ADHD and anxiety.
Encourage them to seek treatment if needed. Your child needs professional help to address his problems.
Help them practise good decision-making skills. Teach him how to set realistic goals and stick to them.
Teach them how to relax. Stressful situations can trigger anxiety in kids with ADHD. Help him learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.
Encourage them to take part in fun activities. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to socialise and have fun.
Make an appointment with your child's doctor immediately if you observe any unusual changes in his or her behaviour. You'll need to make sure that your child isn't experiencing an emergency before taking action.
Key Takeaways
Anxious disorders are widespread in young people. But unfortunately, they often go undiagnosed until adulthood because many adults have trouble identifying symptoms of childhood anxiety.
But if left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to depression and substance abuse, which can affect academic performance and social relationships. Fortunately, treatment options exist for both conditions.
For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood in children and teens with anxiety disorders.
CBT teaches patients relaxation techniques and problem-solving skills to manage their fears and worries.
It would help if you also considered using the interactive educational robot named Gheorg. Gheorg can teach your children about their emotions and how they can manage them.
This is beneficial for children with high anxiety levels or ADHD. Try Gheorg for a fun way of developing your child's emotional intelligence.