ADD and Anxiety in Adults
By Michael Carr
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About this ebook
Anxiety is a major problem for many adults with ADD. It can also be very difficult to address since treatments which are helpful for anxiety may worsen inattention, while treatments which help ADD may increase anxiety. There is also a shortage of accessible information for adults who have both ADD and an anxiety disorder.
ADD and Anxiety in Adults is a clear and concise article which provides specific information about the effects of generalised anxiety and ADD and how to deal with the two disorders. It includes a discussion of the various treatments and strategies used for ADD and generalised anxiety, and offers a number of practical tips and ideas for reducing inattention and anxiety at home and at work.
Michael Carr
I'm a freelance researcher and part-time writer from New Zealand. My writing interests include psychology, mental performance issues and gardening.My writing aim is to produce concise, down-to-earth publications about under-explored subjects, and I believe that concise e-books and articles are a great medium for this.
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ADD and Anxiety in Adults - Michael Carr
ADD and Anxiety in Adults
By Michael Carr
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2014 Michael Carr. Updated 2020.
~
Table of Contents
Introduction
Physical Signs of High Anxiety Levels
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety and ADD/ADHD
Anxiety and ADD subtypes
ADD and Recreational Drug Use
Job Choices for the Anxious ADDer
Medication for ADD and Anxiety
Alternatives to Prescription Stimulants
Alternative Treatments for ADD
Addressing Sleep Problems
Additional Treatments for Anxiety
Other Issues
Conclusion
Resources
~
Introduction
For adults grappling with ADD and ongoing anxiety problems, finding help can be particularly difficult. Many people with ADD and anxiety find themselves in a catch 22 situation where attempts to deal with their ADD make anxiety problems worse, while efforts to treat their anxiety make them even more inattentive and mentally lethargic. To make matters worse, high anxiety levels are very common among teenagers and adults with ADD. According to Harvard University ADD researcher Russell Barkley, the percentage of adults with ADD and a co-existing anxiety disorder in the United States is somewhere between 25 and 40 percent.¹ The most common type of anxiety disorder found with ADD is probably Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) although a relatively high percentage of adults with ADD also suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder. Given the high prevalence of ADD and anxiety in adults, there is a clear need for more accessible information for those living with both disorders. The main focus of this booklet is about informing and helping those adults with ADD who, like me, also suffer from generalised anxiety. However, it will be also be of benefit to those with high stress levels due to the pressures of dealing with ADD, as well as those who suffer from other co-existing anxiety-related disorders.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this booklet is based on general research gained from books, articles, websites, personal experience and informal discussions with members of ADD support groups. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and help offered by qualified mental health professionals. Individuals using prescription medication for treating their ADD or anxiety should always do so under doctor’s supervision.
A Note on the Labels ADD and ADHD
When the American Psychiatric Association produced the latest version of their Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders a controversial decision was made to remove the term ADD
and replace it with the term ADHD inattentive type.
Thus both the hyperactive/impulsive disorder known as ADHD,
and the non-hyperactive disorder that was previously referred as ADD,
are now officially referred to as being sub-types of ADHD.
This decision has created a lot of unnecessary confusion among the general public, and there is a lot of popular resistance to using the ADHD label to refer to inattentive ADD.
In this booklet I use the general term ADD
when referring to both types of attention deficit, and only use the term ADHD when specifically referring to the hyperactive/impulsive or combined forms of the disorder. When referring to the non-hyperactive, inattentive form of ADD I use the phrase inattentive ADD.
Physical Signs of High Anxiety Levels
Anxiety is a heightened sense of mental and physical arousal bought on by negative thoughts about potential threats and future events. Individuals may become anxious from worrying about personal issues or possible threats to friends and family. Anxiety levels often increase as people move into adulthood and take on more responsibilities, although high anxiety levels are also common among children and teenagers. Many people with ADD suffer from separation anxiety as young children and