ADHD vs. Anxiety: How to Tell the Difference in Children
When a child struggles with focus, restlessness, or big emotions, parents often wonder what’s really going on. Is it ADHD? Anxiety? Both? Because these conditions can look similar on the surface, it’s common for families to feel unsure about what their child needs. Understanding the differences between ADHD and anxiety can help you take the right next steps and find the right support—especially if you’re considering child therapy in Dallas or your local area.
Why ADHD and Anxiety Are Often Confused
ADHD and anxiety frequently overlap in symptoms, particularly in children. Both can involve trouble concentrating, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty completing tasks. A child with either condition may seem distracted in class, forgetful at home, or overwhelmed by schoolwork.
The key difference lies in why those behaviors happen.
ADHD is primarily a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention regulation, impulse control, and executive functioning.
Anxiety is driven by worry, fear, or nervous system overactivation that interferes with thinking and behavior.
Because the outward behaviors can look similar, careful assessment is essential.
Signs Your Child May Have ADHD
Children with ADHD often show patterns like:
Difficulty sustaining attention even during fun activities
Frequent forgetfulness (losing items, missing instructions)
Interrupting or blurting out answers
Constant movement or fidgeting
Trouble following multi-step directions
These symptoms tend to be consistent across environments—home, school, and social settings—and are usually present from an early age.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Anxiety
Anxiety in children often looks different than adults expect. Instead of appearing worried, they may seem:
Avoidant of certain tasks or situations
Perfectionistic or afraid of making mistakes
Easily overwhelmed by transitions
Complaining of headaches or stomachaches
Frequently seeking reassurance
Unlike ADHD, anxiety symptoms often increase in specific situations (tests, social events, new environments) and may lessen when the stressor is removed.
Can a Child Have Both?
Yes—many children experience both ADHD and anxiety. In fact, it’s very common. A child with ADHD may develop anxiety after repeated frustration or criticism, while a child with anxiety may appear inattentive because their mind is preoccupied with worries.
This is why a professional evaluation is so important. A trained therapist can determine whether symptoms stem from ADHD, anxiety, or a combination of both—and tailor treatment accordingly.
How Therapy Helps Children with ADHD or Anxiety
Therapy is one of the most effective ways to support children struggling with attention or worry. In a supportive counseling environment, children can learn skills that improve functioning at home, school, and socially.
Benefits of therapy include:
Learning emotional regulation strategies
Improving focus and organization skills
Building confidence and self-esteem
Reducing worry and physical anxiety symptoms
Strengthening parent-child communication
At practices offering child therapy in Dallas, therapists often use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and parent coaching. These methods help children understand their feelings, practice new skills, and experience success.
When Should Parents Seek Help?
Consider reaching out to a therapist if:
Your child’s symptoms interfere with school or friendships
You notice frequent emotional meltdowns or shutdowns
Teachers express concerns about focus or behavior
Your child seems persistently worried, tense, or frustrated
Early support can prevent challenges from becoming more severe and can give your child tools that benefit them for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my child has ADHD or anxiety?
The best way is through a professional assessment. While parents and teachers may notice patterns, a therapist can evaluate symptom history, triggers, and developmental factors to determine the root cause.
Do ADHD and anxiety require different treatments?
Sometimes. ADHD often responds well to behavioral strategies, structure, and skill-building, while anxiety treatment focuses on calming the nervous system and managing worries. If a child has both, therapy can address each concern together.
Will my child grow out of ADHD or anxiety?
Some children see symptoms improve with age and support, but most benefit from learning coping skills early. Therapy helps children build tools they can use throughout life.
Is therapy really helpful for kids?
Yes. Research consistently shows that therapy can significantly improve emotional regulation, attention skills, and coping abilities in children. Early intervention is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes.
About the Author
Janie is a valued member of the Sunrise Counseling team and a Dallas native with a strong academic background in sociology and counseling. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Sociology from the University of Texas at Dallas and later completed a master’s degree in Counseling at Texas Tech University.
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with specialized training in complex trauma treatment. In addition to her counseling credentials, she is also a certified Special Education teacher and Dyslexia instructor.
Janie has experience working with individuals across the lifespan—including children, teens, adults, couples, and families—supporting concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, eating disorders, learning challenges, and life transitions. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing pickleball and golf, and keeping up with her lively dog.
Ready to Get Support for Your Child?
If you’re noticing signs of ADHD, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The team at Sunrise Counseling offers compassionate, evidence-based child therapy in Dallas designed to help children feel understood, confident, and capable.
Next Steps:
Schedule an appointment to discuss your child’s needs
Meet with a caring therapist who specializes in children
Begin a personalized plan to help your child thrive
Reaching out is often the first—and most powerful—step toward positive change.
Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX
Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: