Anxiety or ADHD? How They Overlap in Women and New Moms

If you’re a woman or a new mother, you may sometimes feel restless, distracted, or constantly “on edge.” It’s easy to think anxiety is the cause—after all, anxiety is common and widely discussed. But sometimes, these same feelings can be a sign of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

ADHD in adults, especially in women, often looks very different from the stereotype of a hyperactive child. Symptoms can overlap with anxiety, which can make it hard to know what’s going on. Understanding the differences and how they appear can help you get the right support, including assessment through tools like the T.O.V.A. (Test of Variables of Attention).

How ADHD and Anxiety Can Look the Same

ADHD and anxiety share several symptoms, such as:

• Trouble focusing

• Racing thoughts

• Feeling easily overwhelmed

• Sleep problems

• Avoiding tasks that feel too difficult
  

For someone with inattentive ADHD, everyday tasks may feel chaotic or impossible to complete. This can look very much like anxiety. Research shows that ADHD and anxiety often occur together, which means some people have both conditions.

One way to tell the difference is to look at patterns over time. Anxiety often flares up in stressful situations, like work deadlines or relationship conflicts. ADHD-related challenges, on the other hand, are usually long-standing, often tracing back to childhood. Asking yourself if you struggled with focus, organization, or completing tasks when you were younger can help clarify the picture.

Why Women and New Mothers Are Often Overlooked

ADHD has long been studied mostly in boys. Because of this, many girls and women were never diagnosed as children. Women are more likely to internalize ADHD symptoms—like daydreaming, being easily distracted, or feeling chronically overwhelmed—so it can be mistaken for anxiety, perfectionism, or mood issues.

For new mothers, the postpartum period adds even more challenges. Hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, and the stress of caring for a baby can make attention and focus problems worse. Tasks that were manageable before may now feel impossible. If you’re noticing constant forgetfulness, disorganization, or difficulty handling daily routines, ADHD could be part of the picture, and a proper assessment can help identify it.

How Clinicians Tell ADHD and Anxiety Apart

A careful evaluation is key. This usually includes:

• Reviewing your developmental history (how symptoms showed up in childhood)

• Tracking symptom patterns over time

• Screening for other conditions, like anxiety or sleep disorders

• Looking at functional impact in work, parenting, and relationships

  
  

Because ADHD and anxiety can happen together, treatment often addresses both. Therapy can help with anxiety and executive functioning skills, while ADHD interventions—including coaching, behavior strategies, and medication when appropriate—can help with attention and organization. Skipping an ADHD assessment can lead to partial treatment results, where anxiety may improve, but focus and organization challenges remain. Tools like the T.O.V.A. are especially helpful in clarifying the diagnosis and guiding treatment.

Considerations for New Mothers and Breastfeeding

If you are a new mother considering ADHD treatment, medication choices matter. Some medications, like certain stimulants, have the most research supporting safe use while breastfeeding, but others may require more caution. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the safest options while considering your baby’s health and your own functioning. At Alliance Wellness Solutions, we can help you explore treatment strategies, including non-medication approaches, and make informed decisions based on your situation.

Steps You Can Take

1. Track your symptoms. Note when focus issues or anxious feelings occur and how long they last.

2. Reflect on your history. Even vague memories of childhood attention struggles can help your clinician.

3. Ask about an ADHD assessment. At Alliance Wellness Solutions, we use the T.O.V.A. to support a clear, evidence-based evaluation.

4. Discuss breastfeeding openly. If you need treatment, bring up lactation to ensure the safest approach for you and your baby.

Remember: seeking help doesn’t label you—it helps you find the right support to feel more in control and confident in daily life.

References  

• Staley, B. S., et al. Diagnosis of ADHD in U.S. adults; MMWR. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024).

• Abdelnour, E., et al. ADHD diagnostic trends and misdiagnosis. (Review) (2022).

• Sadek, J., & colleagues. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Misdiagnosis (Review, 2023).

• D’Onofrio or related comorbidity analysis: ADHD and anxiety symptom comorbidity (SAGE, 2023).

• Kim, J. Managing ADHD in the perinatal/breastfeeding period; clinical guidance and lactation considerations (2023–2024 review).

• InfantRisk and breastfeeding resources: “ADHD medications and breastfeeding” (summary review, 2021).