ADHD anxiety and overthinking
ADHD anxiety and overthinking are common experiences for many children and young people. Whilst ADHD and anxiety are separate conditions, they often overlap and influence one another in ways that can affect confidence, emotional wellbeing, and everyday life.
Understanding anxiety and ADHD can help parents, carers, and professionals recognise that some children may be working incredibly hard to manage worries, expectations, and emotions that are not always visible to others.
Every child is different, and experiences of anxiety and overthinking can vary depending on personality, environment, and individual needs.
Anxiety in Children with ADHD
Anxiety in children with ADHD can develop for many different reasons.
Some children may worry because they have experienced repeated criticism, struggled with friendships, or found it difficult to meet expectations at school. Others may feel anxious about making mistakes, forgetting things, or letting people down.
Common signs of anxiety may include:
- excessive worrying
- seeking reassurance
- perfectionism
- avoiding certain situations
- physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches
- difficulty sleeping
- emotional overwhelm
- becoming easily frustrated
These experiences are often linked to a child’s desire to do well and feel accepted by those around them.
Overthinking and ADHD
Overthinking and ADHD can go hand in hand.
Some children and young people spend a great deal of time replaying conversations, worrying about mistakes, or thinking about situations long after they have happened.
They may:
- overanalyse friendships
- worry about getting things wrong
- replay events from the school day
- become stuck on negative thoughts
- imagine worst-case scenarios
- struggle to switch off at night
This overthinking can be exhausting and may contribute to feelings of anxiety or low confidence over time.
Worry and ADHD in Young People
Worry and ADHD in young people can sometimes be misunderstood.
Adults may see a child who appears capable and assume they are coping well, whilst internally they may be carrying significant worries about school, friendships, or meeting expectations.
Some young people worry about:
- disappointing others
- forgetting important tasks
- getting into trouble
- being different from their peers
- managing friendships
- making mistakes
- keeping up academically
Recognising these worries as genuine emotional experiences can help children feel understood rather than judged.
Emotional Sensitivity and Rejection
Many children with ADHD experience strong emotional responses to criticism or rejection.
They may:
- take comments very personally
- struggle after disagreements with friends
- become highly self-critical
- avoid situations where failure feels possible
- worry about not fitting in
This emotional sensitivity can make everyday challenges feel much bigger and contribute to patterns of anxiety and overthinking.
Providing reassurance, understanding, and opportunities for success can help children develop greater confidence and resilience.
The Importance of Self-Understanding
Helping children understand the connection between ADHD, anxiety, and overthinking can reduce feelings of shame and confusion.
Children often benefit from knowing that:
- their emotions are valid
- they are not alone in their experiences
- worry does not mean something is wrong with them
- asking for help is a strength
- everyone develops coping skills at their own pace
Developing self-understanding can support emotional wellbeing and encourage a more positive sense of identity.
Supporting Children with Anxiety and ADHD
Supporting children who experience anxiety alongside ADHD often involves creating environments where they feel safe, understood, and accepted.
Helpful approaches may include:
- validating worries and emotions
- encouraging open conversations
- reducing pressure around perfectionism
- celebrating effort rather than outcomes
- maintaining predictable routines
- supporting emotional regulation
- helping children recognise their strengths
- allowing time for rest and recovery
Small changes in how adults respond can have a significant impact on confidence and wellbeing.
Strengths Associated with ADHD
Whilst anxiety and overthinking can be difficult, many children with ADHD also possess important strengths.
These may include:
- creativity
- empathy
- curiosity
- determination
- humour
- passion for interests
- strong values
- innovative thinking
Recognising these strengths helps children build confidence and develop a more balanced understanding of themselves.
How Counselling Can Help
Counselling can provide children and young people with a supportive space to explore worries, emotions, friendships, and self-esteem.
Some children prefer talking directly, whilst others communicate more comfortably through creativity, games, movement, or practical activities.
The aim is not to remove anxiety completely, but to help children better understand their experiences and develop strategies that support emotional wellbeing.
Support can also help families make sense of behaviours and emotional responses that may previously have felt confusing or overwhelming.
FAQ Section
Can children with ADHD also experience anxiety?
Yes. Anxiety in children with ADHD is common, and many young people experience worries related to school, friendships, expectations, or emotional wellbeing.
Why do children with ADHD overthink things?
Overthinking and ADHD can be linked to emotional sensitivity, perfectionism, previous experiences, and worries about making mistakes or disappointing others.
Can ADHD affect confidence?
Yes. Repeated challenges or feelings of being different can sometimes affect self-esteem and confidence, particularly if children feel misunderstood.
How can I support a child with ADHD and anxiety?
Supporting children with ADHD and anxiety involves validating emotions, reducing pressure, encouraging open conversations, and recognising their strengths as well as their challenges.
Can counselling help with anxiety and overthinking?
Counselling can help children explore worries, build confidence, and develop greater self-understanding in ways that feel supportive and manageable.
Further Reading
For further information about ADHD in girls and young people, the ADHD Foundation provides resources and support for families, schools, and professionals.
Looking for Support?
If this resonates, or you are looking for support for your child, young person, or yourself, feel free to get in touch.