By Laurian Ward, Counselling Psychologist – Pretoria East
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, organization, and emotional regulation. It’s more than being easily distracted — it’s a consistent pattern of difficulty staying focused, following through on tasks, and managing impulses.
However, what many people don’t realize is that several other mental health conditions can look like ADHD symptoms but are, in fact, something else. This is one reason why professional assessment is so important. Getting the right ADHD symptoms diagnosis ensures that the right kind of support and treatment follow.
Below are three common conditions that often overlap with or mimic ADHD symptoms — and why understanding the difference matters.
1. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can make the mind feel scattered and preoccupied, much like ADHD. When you’re anxious, your brain is in a constant state of alert — scanning for danger rather than focusing on the present task. People often say, “I can’t concentrate,” when in fact their concentration is hijacked by worry.
2. Depression
Low motivation, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating can also be symptoms of depression. A person may appear inattentive, but the real issue is a lack of mental energy, not hyperactivity or impulsivity. Depression often slows thinking, whereas ADHD tends to speed it up in unpredictable bursts.
3. Trauma or PTSD
People who have experienced trauma may appear distracted or emotionally reactive. Their nervous system stays on high alert, similar to the hyperarousal seen in ADHD. However, the root cause is unresolved stress, not a developmental difference in attention regulation.
| Condition | Core Features | How It Mimics ADHD | Key Difference |
| ADHD | Inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity; starts in childhood | Difficulty focusing, disorganization, restlessness | Lifelong pattern, not caused by life events |
| Anxiety Disorder | Excessive worry, tension, racing thoughts | Trouble concentrating, restlessness | Focus disrupted by fear, not boredom |
| Depression | Low mood, fatigue, reduced motivation | Forgetfulness, poor focus | Driven by low energy and sadness |
| Trauma/PTSD | Flashbacks, hypervigilance, emotional reactivity | Distractibility, overarousal | Linked to past trauma, not neurodevelopmental origin |
When the lines between these conditions feel blurred, it’s easy to mislabel what’s happening. That’s why a comprehensive psychological assessment is the best way to bring clarity. A proper evaluation explores your ADHD symptoms, history, and patterns — not just how you feel on a stressful day or what a checklist says online.
If you or someone you care about struggles with focus, organization, or emotional ups and downs, don’t guess. Book an assessment with me, Laurian Ward, Counselling Psychologist in Pretoria East, to get the clarity and direction you need to move forward with confidence.
