ADHD Awareness Month: What about when it isn’t ADHD | Our blog

Since the pandemic, the waiting lists for ADHD referrals has skyrocketed and the NHS is undoubtedly overwhelmed by the demand.

In our services, we are currently seeing people who joined the waiting list as long as four years ago. While we’re exploring solutions to this, there is still a significant impact on those waiting for a diagnosis and treatment.

The increase of awareness and understanding of how traits can present beyond the stereotypical views is undoubtedly beneficial. However, ADHD can be difficult to diagnose due to the overlapping symptoms with mental health conditions, physical health conditions, disorders and more.

To help dispel confusion, we’ve highlighted three of the common conditions that are often mistaken for ADHD to support people in their journey to access the correct support as early as possible.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and if you are in doubt, please do speak to your GP or local mental health support in your area. 

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a normal emotional response that many experience, but it is generally temporary. However, anxiety disorders are diagnosed mental health conditions that affect around 8 million people in the UK alone. It can cause persistent, excessive and uncontrollable worry that interrupts a person’s ability to function daily.

There is a significant overlap with the traits of ADHD and anxiety disorders – this is especially prevalent with inattentive ADHD. Symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, fidgeting and sleep disturbances overlap between both conditions.

Anxiety is driven by excess worry or fear, whereas ADHD stems from neurological differences in attention and impulse control. To help distinguish between the two, it is important to think about the source of the symptoms, emotional triggers and behavioural patterns. For example, do the concentration problems worsen when anticipating something bad or is it constant?

In some cases, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help to distinguish between the two by revealing the underlying thought patterns and emotional triggers behind these symptoms. You can access CBT through self-referring your local Talking Therapies – find out more below.

Personality disorders

Personality disorders - especially Borderline Personality Disorder - are often diagnosed when long-standing patterns of thinking, thoughts, feelings and behaviours cause distress and affect daily functions.  

Research finds that one in three women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder may meet the criteria for ADHD when assessed through a neurodivergent-informed lens. While there is evidence to suggest the comorbidity rate is around 20 to 30% in adults, both conditions have overlapping symptoms and the lines can blur. Some of the crossover traits include:

• Impulsivity, interrupting others and emotional outbursts
• Mood swings, irritability and sensitivity to rejection
• Trouble maintaining stable relationships
• Restlessness and disorganisation

 

The key difference between the two comes down to understanding the individual triggers and person’s history. For those with ADHD, it is much more likely that these behaviours have existed since childhood and aren’t triggered by situations, where as BPD has a stronger connection to relationships, self-image and life experiences.

Accessing NHS therapies such as Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) can support individuals with personality disorders by targeting the core features of the condition through structured and evidence-based therapy. Find out more about DBT and MBT below.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder 

Affecting around one to two per cent of the population, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating disorder that can significantly impact a person’s daily life. It is often trivialised and misunderstood but it is a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that are often repetitive and distressing.

Some of the symptoms between OCD and ADHD overlap such as difficulty concentrating, feeling busy or scattered, repetitive behaviours or patterns, trouble completing tasks, restlessness, fidgeting, distress and avoidance.

When trying to distinguish between the two, it’s important to look at where the traits originate from. Are the behaviours driven by inattention or anxiety? Are thoughts disorganised and rapidly shifting or intrusive and repetitive? Try noting down your symptoms and pay attention to patterns around the causes.  

Speaking to your GP can help guide you in the right direction to getting help and support for OCD symptoms. Mental health charity Mind also offers a self-care guide for OCD which you can find below.

This list only covers a few of the conditions that can mimic ADHD, but the list is much wider, spanning but not limited to

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression
• Neurodevelopmental Trauma
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Complex Trauma  
• Brain Injury  
• Learning Disabilities
• Sensory Process Disorder
• Menopause
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Chronic Fatigue
• Sleep Disorders
• And addiction

 

While seeking support for ADHD is essential - and for some individuals, it can be life changing - it is equally important to approach the journey with curiosity and care. Many conditions can present with similar symptoms and understanding this overlap can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better outcomes. This way, we can ensure that everyone receives the most appropriate and effective support.

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