Understanding ADHD vs Anxiety: Symptoms, Similarities and Differences - An Engaging Conversation

In episode 11 of 'Love ADHD', co-hosts Tony Overbay, LMFT, and Julie Lee welcome special guest Mackey Overbay, Tony's daughter, and his co-host for the podcast "The Mind, The Mirror and Me." The discussion centers around the differences and similarities between ADHD and Anxiety disorders. The talk covers topics such as the consistent symptoms of ADHD and the fluctuating symptoms of anxiety, patterns of hyperfocus vs avoidance, and how ADHD affects attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. They also share personal experiences about how ADHD and anxiety present in their lives, explaining with clarity the familiar but often misunderstood concepts of both disorders. The discussion is punctuated with humor and camaraderie, making it an enjoyable and illuminating episode.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest
01:22 Understanding Anxiety vs ADHD
05:27 Personal Experiences with Anxiety and ADHD
15:22 Comparing Symptoms of Anxiety and ADHD
20:44 Understanding Sleep Issues and Low GABA Levels
21:13 Impact of ADHD Medication
21:32 Effects of ADHD and Anxiety on Memory
22:22 The Role of Fight or Flight Response in ADHD and Anxiety
23:19 Intrusive Thoughts: A Common Ground for ADHD and Anxiety
24:58 Understanding the Sympathetic Nervous System and its Role in ADHD and Anxiety
25:06 The Link between ADHD, Anxiety, and Gastrointestinal Issues
26:16 The Connection between ADHD, Anxiety, and Muscle Tension
33:46 The Overlap and Differences between ADHD and Anxiety
35:25 Personal Experiences and Reflections on ADHD and Anxiety