Struggling to focus does not automatically mean ADHD. Anxiety, stress, depression, and burnout can pull attention toward threat or deplete capacity in ways that look similar on the surface.
Dr. Crenshaw explains why a comprehensive assessment — gathering different types of information from multiple sources — is needed to disentangle whether attention problems are driven by ADHD, another condition, or both.
Transcript
It can often be difficult to distinguish ADHD from attention or organizational problems related to other things like stress or depression or anxiety. A reason for that is that a lot of other conditions or presentations look like ADHD. So a lot of conditions have attention problems alongside of them.
For example, somebody with an anxiety disorder often has difficulty paying attention to the daily things they are supposed to because the anxiety is really producing these threat or danger signals that are pulling their attention away.
So that is actually one of the main reasons that a comprehensive assessment is important for ADHD — to disentangle what is causing our attention problems. Are they being caused by ADHD? Are they being caused by something else like anxiety or stress? And you really need a comprehensive, thorough assessment, collecting data from different sources and different types of information to really assess that out.
Edited for readability while preserving Dr. Crenshaw’s meaning. This is educational content, not a diagnostic interview.
When to consider reaching out
- You are unsure whether focus problems are ADHD, anxiety, burnout, or a mix.
- Prior therapy or productivity strategies helped only briefly.
- A prescriber or therapist has suggested diagnostic clarity before treatment changes.
Frequently asked questions
Can anxiety look like ADHD?
Yes. Anxiety can generate threat signals that pull attention away from daily tasks, creating focus problems that resemble ADHD. Distinguishing the cause usually requires a thorough evaluation.
Why is a comprehensive assessment important?
Screenings can flag symptoms. A comprehensive assessment gathers multiple information sources to clarify whether ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, or another factor is driving the problems — and what to treat first.
Can someone have both ADHD and anxiety?
Yes. Overlap is common. Evaluation aims to tease apart what each condition contributes so recommendations fit the full picture.
What Peachtree service helps with differential questions?
Depending on your history, Dr. Crenshaw may recommend the Full ADHD Assessment, a Standalone Diagnostic Evaluation, or a focused Anxiety Assessment after an initial phone screening.
About the clinician
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Kennesaw State University, specializing in evidence-based assessment, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and relationship therapy.
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Ready to take the next step?
Request a consultation about adult ADHD testing or therapy with Dr. Crenshaw. Evaluations are conducted in person at our Roswell office.