ADHD: Understanding Symptoms, Overlapping Conditions, and Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
When anxiety, depression, or focus issues disrupt your life, the root cause isn't always what it seems.
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting how the brain regulates attention, impulse control, and activity levels. While often associated with children, ADHD affects millions of adults who may have gone undiagnosed for years.
ADHD isn't about being "lazy" or "unmotivated" - it's a difference in how the brain processes information, manages tasks, and regulates emotions.
Common ADHD Symptoms
ADHD presents differently in each person, but common symptoms include:
Inattention:
Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks or conversations
Frequently losing items (keys, phone, wallet)
Starting projects but rarely finishing them
Forgetfulness in daily activities
Easily distracted by external stimuli or internal thoughts
Difficulty organizing tasks and managing time
Hyperactivity:
Restlessness or feeling "driven by a motor"
Difficulty sitting still during meetings or conversations
Talking excessively
Fidgeting or tapping hands and feet
Impulsivity:
Interrupting others or blurting out answers
Difficulty waiting your turn
Making decisions without considering consequences
Emotional reactivity or quick frustration
Adults with ADHD often struggle with:
Chronic procrastination
Difficulty prioritizing tasks
Overwhelm when faced with multiple responsibilities
Time blindness (underestimating how long tasks take)
Rejection sensitivity (intense emotional response to perceived criticism)
Relationship challenges due to forgetfulness or emotional dysregulation
Why ADHD Often Goes Undiagnosed: The Overlap with Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma
One reason ADHD is frequently missed - especially in adults - is that its symptoms can look remarkably similar to anxiety, depression, and trauma. This overlap leads many people to receive treatment for the wrong condition, leaving their core struggles unaddressed.
ADHD Can Mimic Anxiety:
Restlessness and inability to relax (hyperactivity can feel like anxiety)
Racing thoughts (ADHD brain constantly jumping between ideas)
Difficulty concentrating (shared symptom of both conditions)
Physical tension and fidgeting
ADHD Can Mimic Depression:
Chronic procrastination and task avoidance (looks like lack of motivation)
Low self-esteem from repeated "failures" or criticism
Difficulty completing tasks (appears as apathy or disinterest)
Emotional dysregulation (mood swings mistaken for depression)
Social withdrawal due to overwhelm
ADHD Can Mimic Trauma:
Hypervigilance and heightened startle response
Emotional dysregulation and intense reactions
Difficulty with memory and concentration
Sense of being "different" or misunderstood since childhood
Shame and negative self-perception from years of struggling
The Complex Reality: Many people with ADHD also develop anxiety, depression, or trauma responses as a result of living with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD. Years of struggling to meet expectations, feeling "broken," and facing repeated criticism can lead to secondary mental health conditions. This makes accurate diagnosis even more critical.
How Our Therapists Help You Discover What's Really Going On
At Landry Therapy Group, our experienced therapists specialize in identifying the root causes of your symptoms - whether that's ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, or a combination of conditions.
We understand that overlapping symptoms can be confusing and frustrating. Through careful assessment, collaborative exploration, and evidence-based treatment approaches, we help clients understand what's driving their struggles so they can receive the right support.
Our therapists are trained to recognize the nuances of ADHD, especially in adults, women, and individuals who may have been overlooked by traditional screening methods. We create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your experiences and gain clarity about your mental health.
The Strengths of ADHD
While ADHD presents challenges, it's important to recognize that ADHD brains also come with unique strengths. Many people with ADHD exhibit:
Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking - The ability to make unexpected connections and generate innovative ideas
Hyperfocus - Deep, intense concentration on tasks of high interest
High energy and enthusiasm - A natural drive and passion for engaging projects
Resilience - Years of adapting to challenges build problem-solving skills
Empathy and emotional sensitivity - A heightened awareness of others' feelings
When properly supported and in the right environment, these traits can become powerful assets.
Getting an Accurate Diagnosis: Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD, a comprehensive psychological evaluation is the gold standard for accurate diagnosis.
Why Psychological Testing Matters:
Unlike a brief questionnaire or single-session assessment, a comprehensive psychological evaluation provides:
✓ Accurate diagnosis - Distinguishes ADHD from conditions with similar symptoms (anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, trauma)
✓ Detailed cognitive assessment - Identifies specific areas of strength and challenge
✓ Official documentation - Provides formal diagnosis required for school accommodations, workplace support, or treatment planning
✓ Comprehensive reporting - Detailed written report for educational teams, healthcare providers, or legal/disability purposes
✓ Personalized treatment recommendations - Specific strategies tailored to your unique profile
At Landry Therapy Group, our psychological evaluations include clinical interviews, standardized testing, behavioral observations, and thorough analysis to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and actionable recommendations.
Who Benefits from ADHD Testing:
Adults who've struggled with focus, organization, or emotional regulation for years
Children and teens experiencing academic or behavioral challenges
Individuals seeking accommodations for school or work
Anyone who's been treated for anxiety or depression without improvement
Take the Next Step
If you've been struggling with focus, overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, or feeling like you're "not living up to your potential," you don't have to figure it out alone.
Whether you're seeking therapy to manage symptoms, looking for clarity through psychological testing, or simply want to understand yourself better, Landry Therapy Group is here to help.
Our services include:
Individual therapy for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma
Comprehensive psychological testing and evaluation
Child, adolescent, and adult ADHD assessment
Treatment planning and ongoing support
Ready to get answers?
📞 Call us at (214) 306-4898
💻 Visit landrytherapygroup.com
📧 Email support@landrytherapygroup.com
Landry Therapy Group provides expert mental health care in Mansfield, TX, with virtual therapy available throughout Texas. We specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and comprehensive psychological evaluations.