Diagnosis And Management Of Comorbid Anxiety And Adhd In Pediatric Primary Care

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders, which are the most common pediatric mental health problems, frequently co-occur. The overlap of symptoms and the varied presentations of both disorders can make diagnosis and treatment planning challenging. Picking an initial treatment target with reassessment of the diagnoses based on response may help clinicians successfully treat children with comorbid ADHD/anxiety. Treating ADHD with stimulants can lead to improvement in ADHD-related anxiety symptoms. Treating anxiety can reduce anxiety-related attentional problems and executive functioning. Atomoxetine and alpha agonists treat ADHD and may have some benefit for anxiety symptoms. Behavioral treatment should be part of the plan for ADHD co-occurring with anxiety disorders.