It’s not unusual for children and adolescents to feel anxious, nor is it uncommon for them to have trouble regulating their attention. But sustained fear and worry can be symptoms of anxiety disorders, and persistent attention dysregulation can be a sign of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

Given that both conditions can impact a child’s schoolwork, friendships, and family relationships, it’s important for those caring for children to understand these challenges.

So what should parents, teachers, and other adults know about childhood anxiety and ADHD? How can one recognize when a child is struggling with either or both? And when is professional help warranted?

Fairlee C. Fabrett, PhD, provides an overview of childhood anxiety and ADHD, discusses the diagnostic and evidence-based treatment approaches for each, and answers questions about helping a child manage the impacts of these two common conditions.