What is the Link Between ADHD and Anxiety and how can I Support my Child?
Those who are familiar with the symptoms of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) may be aware that many people with the condition can also experience anxiety. In fact, “Up to 50% of people with ADHD will experience anxiety at some point in their lives.” Katzman et al., 2017
Executive functions are the processes in the brain that help us meet goals and complete tasks. ADHD can present executive functional developmental delay, which can cause poor focus and restlessness; these experiences, along with impulsivity and poor organisation, can trigger anxiety. It can be very challenging for a young person with ADHD to not only understand but also manage their symptoms. ADHDers (as they are known) will try to tick all the boxes society requires to comply with social rules. They will often mask their behaviour, becoming very stressed; an anxious response can be inevitable.
How can we help a child with ADHD and anxiety?
Devising a plan requires forgetting about neurotypical expectations and looking solely at a young person’s individualised profile. If you are a parent of an ADHD child, some of the following ideas could be very helpful.
- Visit your GP to explain a personalised summary of how ADHD affects your child. You may be referred to an experienced professional, such as a CBT or behavioural therapist. Medication may be offered, which is worth considering, as it can reduce ADHD symptoms, creating a more balanced brain, resulting in less anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications, such as antidepressants, are also an option to help curb the powerful impacts anxiety can bring. As you await follow-ups after seeing the GP, there are other steps that can be taken to help your child.
- An organised, calm space at home will allow your child to process information, minimising the risk of sensory overload, in a place where they can be their true self. A visual schedule of each school day, homework routine, and after-school plan can be mentally beneficial. Knowing how their day will unfold offers them predictability, which can reduce potential anxiety.
- Communicating with a child in clear, accessible steps minimises the potential for confusion or their mismanagement of a task. ADHDers often worry about making errors. They may watch how others complete a task and feel a rise in anxiety when they can’t follow what they see.
- Exercise releases energy and can reduce anxiety. Focusing a child’s physical energy positively can also boost the release of transmitters such as dopamine, which carries messages in the brain, boosting focus and control. Physical activity can also lift confidence and improve sleep patterns, which can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety.
Creating a World where an ADHD Child is Understood
Understanding your child is crucial. In a world where many follow a neurotypical code, we should try to surpass this narrative.
SEND specialist Tutor Glynda shares her perspective: Glynda speaks not only as a professional, but also as a parent of a child with ADHD and anxiety: “Anxiety is more than just worry – it is debilitating and drains your energy. It is a gremlin that prevents a person doing regular tasks. It stops you from learning; the thinking brain stops as the survival brain takes over.”
“A person with ADHD may often people-please. When criticised, they may ruminate, deeply personalising the comment. Such emotional responses can trigger not only anxiety but also the anticipation of anxiety.”
The onus falls frequently on the parent to action a plan for their child. However, it is crucial to listen to your child before requesting help from professionals. Glynda reflects, “School made my daughter panic. They didn’t understand her. They kept sanctioning her instead of trying to understand her make up.”
When you seek help, illustrate actual experiences of your child’s day-to-day life. Glynda explains, “Listen to what your child tells you and pass that on to professionals. Convey a full picture of your child’s daily world and how their brain interprets situations.”
Building a connection with your child’s school SENCO and/or teacher bodes well; discussions need to begin from a place where the child’s personal ADHD and subsequent experiences of anxiety are fully grasped, so the plan that follows factors in all this information.” Glynda continues this point, “Teachers must understand ADHD sensitivities and know how to communicate with them in a compassionate way that doesn’t make them feel undermined.”
Mindfulness and relaxation strategies can help a child remain grounded and focused. Incorporating calm routines may help a young person stop and reboot. When in a relaxed state, a child can become aware of emotional changes. If they note an emotional shift that overwhelms them, they could be encouraged to talk about it with you, knowing that things may not fully resolve, but that healthy steps forward can be taken through positive communication.
Referring positively and empathically to your child’s opinions will help their self-esteem, sending a clear message of validation, affirming feelings of trust and safety. Glynda concludes, “A child with ADHD needs to be their authentic self. If they can’t, they may become anxious and drained in a world where they are misunderstood.”
The endorsement from adults can be so uplifting and encourage a young person to remain more regulated and hopeful for a positive future in a world where they belong.
Useful Websites:
https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-017-1463-3
Please note: The information provided within this blog, by SENsational Tutors, is for general information purposes only. We appreciate that every person is unique and any advice/experiences mentioned within the content of each blog may not be reflective of your own personal experience. All information on the site is provided in good faith and is for educational informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with appropriate professionals.
