Adult ADHD and Anxiety: A Student's Journey to Focus

Q: Adult ADHD and Anxiety: A Student's Journey to Focus

Hello, Chen Dada： Thank you for providing such a detailed description of your situation. <br>Regarding whether your condition may be ADHD, I recommend seeking an evaluation from a physician specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. <br>In short, there can be many reasons f

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Anxiety Disorders?

Hello, Doctor.
I am a 23-year-old male student and would like to inquire about adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Regarding my background: I exhibited some behavioral issues in elementary school, often teasing classmates, which I suspect might have been a sign of hyperactivity (or perhaps just behavioral deviation; I’m not sure, as my parents never took me for evaluation at that time).
My memories of that period are somewhat distant.
Fast forward to recent times, I sought psychiatric help last year for long-term anxiety and was prescribed an antidepressant for about seven months.
However, I decided to stop taking the medication on my own because I didn't want to rely on it anymore, and my symptoms have lessened.

Throughout my four years in college, I have noticed difficulties concentrating while preparing for exams, which is reflected in my grades.
I never performed particularly well, but I always convinced myself that I would study more seriously next time.
However, in the past few months, while preparing for graduate school entrance exams abroad, I decided to confront this issue.
Even if I get accepted, I cannot continue in this state for the next two years of graduate studies, as it would hinder my success.

My main symptoms include losing focus while working on assignments, reports, or studying for exams.
I might concentrate for a few minutes or a while, but then my mind wanders to other thoughts.
If I don’t address these thoughts or "clarify" them (such as researching related information online, which may also relate to my anxiety), they linger in my mind and can even cause anxiety.
This distraction can last from a few minutes to over an hour.
I often procrastinate, usually studying only shortly before exams, frequently unable to finish, and I often arrive just as the exam begins, which has prevented me from achieving better grades and learning outcomes.

Aside from my anxiety, I believe the main "root problem" is my inability to concentrate, which leads to wandering thoughts that trigger my anxiety.
After researching, it seems there is indeed some correlation between the two: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315303#Treating%20both%20anxiety%20and%20ADHD.

Currently, I would like to ask you the following questions:
1.
Based on my description, do I appear to have ADHD?
2.
Can stopping medication after a while "alleviate" or "cure" the symptoms of ADHD? (I plan to study abroad for several years starting in October, and I really don’t want to be on medication for several more years while overseas.)
3.
If someone has both anxiety and ADHD, do doctors typically insist on prescribing only anxiety medications first, without addressing ADHD symptoms?
4.
How can I distinguish whether my poor academic performance is due to "poor study habits and lack of self-discipline" versus "ADHD"?
Thank you, Doctor.
I sincerely hope to receive your insights and assistance.

Chen Da Da, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/25

Dr. Wang Yazhen reply Psychiatry

Hello, Chen Dada: Thank you for providing such a detailed description of your situation.
Regarding whether your condition may be ADHD, I recommend seeking an evaluation from a physician specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry.
In short, there can be many reasons for difficulty concentrating, which may include inherent ADHD, anxiety, insufficient sleep, or other factors that need to be differentiated.
Although you have described your situation as best as you can, it is difficult to provide a possible diagnosis online without an in-person consultation to clarify certain aspects.

Generally, if ADHD is confirmed, the first-line treatment will primarily involve medications specifically for ADHD, and if anxiety is also present, anxiolytics may be added.
There are also medications that can improve both conditions simultaneously, but this requires (1) a confirmed diagnosis and (2) evaluation by a qualified physician.

As for how long medication should be taken, if ADHD is diagnosed, theoretically, the attention deficit may not change significantly, but medication can be taken as needed.
Anxiety may improve through self-regulation, lifestyle adjustments, and other treatments (such as psychotherapy, mindfulness therapy, neurofeedback, etc.) to the point where medication is no longer necessary.
Therefore, it really depends on your specific situation! Wishing you all the best!

Reply Date: 2020/06/25

More Info

Dear Student,
Thank you for sharing your journey and concerns regarding adult ADHD and anxiety. It’s commendable that you are seeking to understand your situation better, especially as you prepare for further studies abroad. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Do I have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Based on your description, it does sound like you may exhibit symptoms consistent with ADHD. Difficulty maintaining focus, frequent distractions, procrastination, and anxiety about your performance are common indicators. ADHD can manifest differently in adults compared to children, often leading to challenges in organization, time management, and sustained attention. However, a formal diagnosis should be made by a qualified mental health professional through a comprehensive evaluation, which may include interviews, self-report questionnaires, and possibly input from those who know you well.

2. Can stopping medication help alleviate ADHD symptoms?
Stopping medication can lead to a reduction in symptoms for some individuals, but it’s essential to understand that ADHD is often a chronic condition. While some people may find that their symptoms improve over time, others may continue to experience significant challenges without treatment. If you are considering stopping medication, it’s crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks, and explore alternative strategies, such as behavioral therapies or lifestyle changes, that may support your focus and anxiety management.

3. Will doctors prioritize anxiety treatment over ADHD treatment?
In many cases, healthcare providers will address the most pressing symptoms first. If anxiety is significantly impacting your daily functioning, a doctor may choose to focus on that initially. However, it is also possible to treat both conditions concurrently. Medications like stimulants (e.g., Adderall or Ritalin) for ADHD can be prescribed alongside anxiety medications, but this depends on individual circumstances and the doctor's clinical judgment. Open communication with your healthcare provider about your preferences and concerns is vital in developing a treatment plan that works for you.

4. How can I differentiate between poor study habits and ADHD?
This can be challenging, as both poor study habits and ADHD can lead to similar outcomes, such as low academic performance. However, ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and hyperactivity that are not solely due to a lack of effort or motivation. To differentiate, consider the following:
- Duration and Consistency: ADHD symptoms are typically chronic and pervasive across different settings (e.g., work, home, social situations), while poor study habits may be more situational.

- Response to Strategies: If you implement study strategies (like setting a schedule or breaking tasks into smaller parts) and still struggle significantly, it may indicate ADHD.

- Impact on Daily Life: Reflect on whether your difficulties extend beyond academics into other areas of life, such as work or relationships.

In conclusion, it’s essential to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a mental health professional who can provide a clear diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. Addressing both ADHD and anxiety can lead to better outcomes in your academic and personal life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are effective strategies and treatments available to help you succeed.

Best wishes on your path to understanding and managing your symptoms. Your proactive approach is a significant first step toward improvement.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Similar Q&A

Understanding Adult Attention Deficit: Symptoms, Challenges, and Solutions

As I grow older, I find myself forgetting more and more things. I can completely forget what I just heard a second ago, and I often forget to execute the goals I set for myself or become restless during the process. In class, I constantly look around, feeling strange about it, an...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Netizens suggest seeking consultation at the Department of Psychiatry (Psychosomatic Medicine). Dr. Wu Enliang.

Struggling to Focus: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

I used to have excellent grades and studied diligently. I was very disciplined, never skipped classes, and always completed my assignments. I even received the mayor's award upon graduating from high school. However, after my sophomore year, I gradually became more lax, only...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Symptoms of anxiety can indeed affect attention, and typically, attention improves as anxiety decreases. Anxiety can sometimes become a chronic condition, requiring more patience in treatment. It is advisable to accept the current situation and collaborate fully with your ...

Seeking Help for ADHD and Depression: A Family's Journey

I have a learning disability in mathematics and have attended resource classes from elementary school through high school. After four years in the workforce, I have changed jobs ten times, often making mistakes at work (for example: moving too slowly, daydreaming, forgetting thin...

Dr. Peng Liyun reply Psychiatry
Hello! Thank you for your hard work! Based on your description, I initially suggest that you help your family fully understand the difficulties you are currently facing and the efforts you have previously made. It is important for them to recognize that you need professional medi...

Overcoming Procrastination Challenges in ADHD: Seeking Solutions

I am an ADHD patient, and I have no problem focusing on my studies at school or in the library. However, on weekends, because there is no one to hold me accountable, I often end up procrastinating. I set a goal to study from 1 PM to 7 PM, but I often don’t leave the house until 4...

Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry
Hello, Ah Han: Procrastination and poor planning are indeed common issues faced by individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If you have been receiving treatment, it is advisable to discuss your situation with a professional who is familiar with your condi...