How Untreated ADHD Can Trigger Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

Introduction: Why We Need to Talk About This

“For years, Sarah thought she was just disorganized. She was always late, always losing things. But when she forgot her best friend’s wedding date—something she’d been excited about for months—she knew something wasn’t right. It wasn’t about willpower or caring. It was something deeper: ADHD.”

Many people live their whole lives feeling like this without understanding why. 

They might label themselves as “lazy” or “scatterbrained,” or they might even hear those words from others. But what’s happening isn’t about willpower or intelligence. The root cause is untreated ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).

ADHD doesn’t just make it hard to stay focused or organized. When left untreated, it can lead to feelings of worry, fear, and sadness that take over your life. That’s because ADHD doesn’t only affect how you think—it affects how you feel. 

Anxiety creeps in when you’re afraid you’ll mess up again. Depression follows when you feel like nothing will ever change.

But you’re not broken. 

ADHD, anxiety, and depression are real struggles, but they’re also treatable.

This article is here to help you understand what’s going on inside you. 

It’s not about giving you a “quick fix” or blaming you for what you’re feeling. It’s about shining a light on the connections between ADHD, anxiety, and depression, so you can stop feeling stuck and start feeling understood.

As one of my patients once told me: “When I learned what was going on with me, it felt like I could breathe for the first time.”

So today, we’re going to explore:

• The signs of ADHD in adults that often go unnoticed.
• How ADHD impacts mental health, including its connection to anxiety and depression.
• Practical, evidence-based coping strategies for ADHD and anxiety.

If you’re ready to explore this journey, keep reading. By the end, we hope you’ll feel less afraid to ask for help and more hopeful about the future. Because you deserve to feel better, and it’s possible.

Let’s begin.

Chapter 1: What Is ADHD Really Like?

“Imagine being stuck in a traffic jam, but the traffic is your thoughts. No matter how much you try, you can’t move forward the way you want to.”

That’s what living with ADHD often feels like for adults. Most people think ADHD is something only kids deal with—wiggly, noisy, and unable to sit still in class. But ADHD is more than just being “hyper” or distracted. It’s a neurological condition that affects how the brain works. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, never realizing it’s at the root of their struggles.

The Science Behind ADHD

ADHD, short for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects the brain’s executive function system. 

Executive functions are like the brain’s manager, helping you:

• Plan and organize tasks.
• Stay focused on what matters.
• Control impulses.
• Manage time effectively.

In people with ADHD, the brain has difficulty regulating certain chemicals, especially dopamine. 

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps with motivation, focus, and the reward system. When dopamine levels are imbalanced, it can feel like your brain is constantly switching channels, making it hard to focus or follow through on tasks.

Another part of the brain affected by ADHD is the prefrontal cortex, which plays a big role in decision-making and self-control. In people with ADHD, this area doesn’t activate the same way, leading to challenges like:

• Forgetting important things (even when you try hard to remember).
• Getting easily distracted by noise, movement, or even your thoughts.
• Feeling stuck when faced with complex tasks.

ADHD Comes in Different Forms

Not everyone with ADHD experiences it the same way. Researchers recognize three main types:

• Inattentive Type: Difficulty focusing, forgetting details, and seeming “spacey.”
• Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Fidgeting, interrupting others, and struggling to sit still.
• Combined Type: A mix of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.

Understanding these types can help you see how ADHD might affect you—or someone you care about—in unique ways. For many, overcoming concentration and focus issues is the start.

Signs of ADHD in Adults

Adult ADHD can be tricky to spot because it often looks different than it does in children. Some common signs include:

• Losing your keys, phone, or important papers frequently.
• Procrastinating on tasks until you’re overwhelmed by the pressure.
• Starting projects with enthusiasm but struggling to finish them.
• Interrupting conversations or speaking without thinking.
• Avoiding boring or repetitive tasks, even when they’re important.

These struggles often make people feel ashamed or frustrated. 

Over time, this can lead to emotional issues like anxiety and depression, especially when they don’t realize ADHD is the root cause.

How ADHD Impacts Mental Health

When untreated, ADHD doesn’t just cause missed deadlines or forgotten grocery lists. It can deeply affect your emotional health. Here’s how:

1. Overwhelm: Small tasks, like paying bills or replying to emails, can feel like mountains.
2. Low Self-Esteem: Repeated failures or missed opportunities may make you feel like you’re “not good enough.”
3. Emotional Sensitivity: Many people with ADHD experience intense emotions and have trouble regulating them.

Over time, these challenges can create a ripple effect, leading to symptoms of anxiety or depression.

“For years, I felt like I was constantly disappointing myself and everyone around me. I didn’t know why I couldn’t just do the things other people seemed to do so easily.” — A patient describing life with undiagnosed ADHD.

By understanding these signs, you’re already taking an important step toward breaking the cycle. 

In the next chapter, we’ll explore how ADHD and anxiety often go hand in hand, creating challenges that can feel overwhelming—but aren’t impossible to manage.

Chapter 2: The Anxiety That Comes With ADHD

“Imagine this: You’ve promised your boss a report, but you forgot the deadline. Now it’s late, and you’re scrambling to explain. Your heart races, your chest tightens, and all you can think is: ‘Why can’t I just be better at this?’”

Anxiety feels like a constant companion for many people with ADHD. It’s that nagging worry that you’ll mess up again or that people will see through your struggles.

Does ADHD Cause Anxiety?

ADHD doesn’t directly “cause” anxiety, but the two are deeply connected. 

Think about it: ADHD can make everyday tasks harder, from remembering deadlines to maintaining relationships. When life feels unpredictable or out of control, it’s natural to feel anxious.

Some common reasons ADHD might lead to anxiety include:

• Fear of Failure: “What if I mess up again?”
• Social Anxiety: “Will they think I’m lazy or weird because I forgot something?”
• Feeling Overwhelmed: Too many tasks, not enough time, and no clear starting point.

Anxiety Symptoms For People With ADHD

This constant state of worry takes a toll on your body and mind. People with ADHD often experience the physical symptoms of anxiety, like:

• Racing heart.
• Sweaty palms.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Trouble sleeping.

Coping Strategies for ADHD and Anxiety

When ADHD and anxiety overlap, it can feel like you’re stuck in a loop. ADHD makes it hard to stay on top of things, which causes anxiety. Then anxiety makes it harder to focus, which worsens ADHD symptoms.

But here’s the good news: some strategies can help.

1. Create a Routine:
   Predictability can reduce anxiety. Start small—pick one or two daily habits to focus on, like setting reminders for appointments or planning your day the night before.
2. Practice Mindfulness:
   Mindfulness doesn’t mean you have to meditate for hours. It can be as simple as taking five deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. This helps your brain reset.
3. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps:
   Big tasks feel less scary when you break them down. Instead of “clean the house,” try “pick up clothes in the bedroom for 10 minutes.”
4. Get Support:
   Whether it’s an Orlando Psychiatrist, coach, or support group, connecting with others can make a huge difference. 

Support groups connect you with others who understand your struggles, offering validation, shared experiences, and encouragement. 

Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re weak—it’s a step toward healing. Professionals and peers alike can help you feel supported, understood, and empowered to take control of your life. 

Learn more here about How to Focus Better with ADHD.

Best Therapy for ADHD and Anxiety

The most effective treatments often combine therapy and, when appropriate, medication.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you manage negative thoughts and build better habits. If you are interested in learning more about CBT, click here.
• Medication: This can improve focus and reduce symptoms of ADHD, making anxiety easier to manage.

Remember: Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward taking control of your life.

In the next chapter, we’ll talk about how ADHD can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and what you can do to start feeling better.

Chapter 3: When ADHD Feels Like Depression

Living with untreated ADHD can feel like running a race where the finish line keeps moving. 

The constant struggle to meet expectations. Your own and others’—can take an emotional toll. 

Over time, the frustration and overwhelm can lead to feelings of sadness and hopelessness. 

For many, it’s hard to tell where ADHD ends and depression begins.

Does ADHD Cause Depression?

While ADHD doesn’t directly “cause” depression, there’s a strong connection between the two. 

Researchers have found that adults with ADHD are more likely to experience depression than those without it. 

Here’s why:

1. Chronic Frustration: ADHD makes everyday tasks—like managing time, remembering commitments, or meeting deadlines—more difficult. Repeated failures can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
2. Emotional Dysregulation: People with ADHD often struggle to manage their emotions. Small setbacks can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to spiral into negative thinking.
3. Social Struggles: ADHD can make relationships difficult, whether it’s forgetting important dates, interrupting conversations, or struggling to listen attentively. Over time, these challenges can create feelings of loneliness and rejection.

These factors combine to create a cycle where ADHD symptoms fuel depressive feelings, and depression makes ADHD harder to manage.

The Emotional Weight of ADHD

One of the most misunderstood aspects of ADHD is its impact on emotions. ADHD doesn’t just make you distracted; it affects how you process and react to feelings. People with ADHD often experience:

• Intense Emotions: Small events can trigger big feelings, like anger, sadness, or frustration.
• Difficulty Recovering: Once upset, it can take much longer to calm down than it does for others.
• Shame and Guilt: Feeling “different” or “not good enough” can lead to a cycle of self-criticism.

Depression in adults with ADHD doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes, it shows up as:

• Exhaustion: A constant feeling of being tired, even when you haven’t done much.
• Loss of Interest: Hobbies or activities you used to enjoy might feel meaningless.
• Difficulty Concentrating: ADHD already affects focus, but depression can make it worse.
• Negative Self-Talk: Thoughts like, “I’ll never get it together,” or “Why even bother?”

A patient once shared: “It felt like I was failing at life. No matter how hard I tried, it was never enough. Eventually, I just stopped trying.”

These emotional struggles aren’t “all in your head.” They’re real and rooted in how ADHD affects your brain and your life.

Best Therapy for ADHD and Depression

The most effective approach often combines treatments for both ADHD and depression. 

For example:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps address negative thought patterns and improve time management.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation and mindfulness, especially helpful for ADHD’s intense emotions.
• Behavioral Activation: Encourages small, positive actions to combat depression’s inertia.

In some cases, medication can play an important role. 

Stimulants for ADHD, like Adderall or Ritalin, can improve focus and reduce emotional overwhelm, while antidepressants can help lift the heavy fog of depression.

Remember: You are not your struggles. ADHD and depression don’t define you—they’re just parts of your journey. With therapy for depression, you can learn to manage it and reclaim your life.

In the next chapter, we’ll explore how to break the stigma around mental health and take the brave step of asking for help.

Chapter 4: Breaking the Stigma and Getting Help

Asking for help can feel like the hardest thing to do when you’re already struggling. You might wonder, What will people think? or What if I’m just making excuses? 

But here’s the truth: seeking help isn’t a weakness—it’s one of the bravest things you can do for yourself.

Living with untreated ADHD, anxiety, or depression is like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. The bricks—shame, frustration, fear—won’t disappear on their own. But with the right support, you can start taking them out one by one.

Why Is There So Much Stigma?

Many people hesitate to get help because of the stigma around mental health. Society often teaches us that we should “just try harder” or “push through” when we’re struggling. For adults with ADHD, this message is even louder.

For years, ADHD was seen as a “kids’ problem.” Many adults were told they couldn’t possibly have it because they “weren’t hyper” or had managed to hold a job. The truth is, ADHD doesn’t go away when you grow up—it just looks different.

Stigma often feeds off myths, like:

• “ADHD isn’t real; it’s just laziness.”
• “If you need therapy or medication, something’s wrong with you.”
• “Everyone feels anxious or distracted sometimes; why make it a big deal?”

These messages can make it hard to take the first step toward help. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to face stigma alone. By learning more about ADHD, anxiety, and depression, you can challenge these myths and empower yourself.

The Power of Getting Help

Imagine for a moment that your brain is like a car. ADHD means that your car doesn’t come with GPS—it’s harder to know where to go or how to get there. Anxiety might add constant alarms, warning you about every possible danger, even when the road is clear. Depression might make you feel like you’ve run out of gas entirely.

Help is like getting the tools to fix your car. It won’t make the road perfect, but it will give you the support you need to navigate it.

Here’s how getting help can make a difference:

1. Understanding Yourself: A therapist or doctor can help you see how ADHD, anxiety, and depression interact. Knowing why you feel the way you do is a powerful step toward change.
2. Learning Strategies: Professionals can teach you coping strategies tailored to your needs, like creating routines, managing emotions, or breaking tasks into smaller steps.
3. Medication When Needed: If recommended, medication can help regulate your brain’s chemistry, making it easier to focus and manage emotions.

You Deserve to Feel Better

If you’re reading this and feeling hesitant, that’s okay. Taking the first step is always the hardest. But remember, you’re not alone, and help is available.

As one of my patients once said, “I was so afraid to ask for help, but when I did, it felt like a weight had been lifted. For the first time, I felt hopeful.”

Getting help doesn’t mean your journey is over—it means you’re starting a new chapter. ADHD, anxiety, and depression might be part of your story, but they don’t define you. With the right tools, you can rewrite your narrative and take back control.