How to Treat ADHD With Severe Anxiety

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a mental condition that presents itself as unusually high activity levels, forgetfulness, short attention span and constant fidgeting. Because the condition causes the mind to race, it is often accompanied with anxiety, an unpleasant state that causes excessive worry, negative emotions and feelings of helplessness. Treatment for ADHD and severe anxiety include prescription medication, behavioral therapy and education programs.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit a therapist. A licensed therapist can help reduce anxiety levels and ADHD through cognitive-behavioral therapy, which controls the impulsive behavior that often leads to more anxiety. Talk therapy examines your negative beliefs that lead to negative behavior by helping you adjust your way of thinking. Focus on current problems and work with your therapist to map out a plan of action to resolve issues and create a realistic daily schedule.

• 2

  Write down your responsibilities. Create a list of everything you need to do for the current day, and number them according to least important to most important. Take care of the most important goals first, and concentrate hard to complete each task before moving on to the next task. The goal is to focus your energy on one thing at a time, rather than spreading yourself too thin by attempting to work on several things at once. When you complete your list of tasks for the day reward yourself with something that you find pleasurable such as your favorite food or watching television for an extra hour.

• 3

  Take prescription medication. Non-stimulant prescription medication helps balance your neurotransmitters responsible for managing attention and hyperactivity. These medications are used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy for maximum effects, and should be taken according to your psychiatrist's instruction to avoid misuse. Side effects of medication include sleep disturbances, nausea and loss of appetite. Continue to take the medication even if you don't notice an immediate effect, as non-stimulant medication gradually improves your condition by working its way through your system.

• 4

  Visit a support group. ADHD and anxiety support groups are found throughout larger cities, and allow you to share your thoughts in a non-judgmental environment with others who have similar situations. The support group is similar to one-to-one therapy as developing strategies for reducing the condition are a part of the experience and is followed up at the next group meeting.

• 5

  Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Excessive amounts of caffeine increases symptoms by making you feel restless and unable to focus due to biological arousal. Alcohol leaves behind lactate, a byproduct that increases anxiety when consumed in large amounts.

• 6

  Exercise more. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise can lower stress levels, which can help alleviate anxiety.