Anxiety and ADD —- Tip o the day 259

30-50% of us with ADD or ADHD have a comorbid anxiety disorder also.  Many people with anxiety problems turn out to also have ADD.  Anxiety alone can produce some of the symptoms of ADD, but I doubt if it can produce the whole picture.

Anxiety can appear as excessive worrying, physically (rapid heart beat, butterflies, tension), as social phobia, or as panic attacks (which are awful).

Causes: In ADD we may be using stimulants, such as caffeine, to feel better, or (Ritalin, amphetamines) which can cause anxiety as side effects. We can feel anxiety as pressure to try to get things done or as fear we will screw up. The genes underlying the disorders may be related.    Coincidence.

Strategies – 1. use strategies to cope better with the ADD or ADHD and reduce the stress in your life.  2. get help, therapy and/or medication.  3. eliminate caffeine, use medication if needed. (beware of benzos; totally avoid xanax/alprazolam, extremely addictive) 3. exercise – reduces stress and tension 4. relaxation tool – I recommend the breathing techniques. 5. meditation, yoga, prayer 6. learn to use positive supportive self talk.

doug