How do I tell ADHD from anxiety when both cause inattention?

Nearly 78% of children with ADHD carry at least one co-occurring condition, which means the clinical question is rarely "is it ADHD or something else?" in a clean binary.

Could this be trauma instead of ADHD?

Nearly 78% of children with ADHD carry at least one co-occurring condition, which means the clinical question is rarely "is it ADHD or something else?" in a clean binary.

What about sleep disorders mimicking ADHD?

Nearly 78% of children with ADHD carry at least one co-occurring condition, which means the clinical question is rarely "is it ADHD or something else?" in a clean binary.

How do I handle the fact that 78% of ADHD patients have at least one comorbidity?

Nearly 78% of children with ADHD carry at least one co-occurring condition, which means the clinical question is rarely "is it ADHD or something else?" in a clean binary.

When does 'differential diagnosis' become 'and also' rather than 'instead of'?

Nearly 78% of children with ADHD carry at least one co-occurring condition, which means the clinical question is rarely "is it ADHD or something else?" in a clean binary.

Assessment & Diagnosis

What Conditions Mimic ADHD, and How Do I Tell Them Apart?

Questions this summary answers

What conditions mimic ADHD, and how do I tell them apart?
How do I tell ADHD from anxiety when both cause inattention?
Could this be trauma instead of ADHD?
What about sleep disorders mimicking ADHD?
How do I handle the fact that 78% of ADHD patients have at least one comorbidity?
When does 'differential diagnosis' become 'and also' rather than 'instead of'?

Go Deeper

This summary distills key findings. For the full clinical discussion with complete citations, explore the source lessons.

Primary source

Evaluation & DiagnosisDifferential Diagnosis: What Mimics ADHD

Also covered in

Comorbidity IThe Epidemiology of ADHD Comorbidity Comorbidity IIADHD + PTSD: Disentangling Hyperarousal Comorbidity IIADHD + Sleep Disorders: The 24-Hour Disorder Comorbidity IIADHD + DMDD: When Irritability Overwhelms

Last updated: 2026-04-12

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What Conditions Mimic ADHD, and How Do I Tell Them Apart?